Hundreds of babies get lifesaving vaccine at Southmead Hospital

Hundreds of babies due to be born at North Bristol NHS Trust have recently been protected against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), thanks to the launch of a new lifesaving NHS vaccination programme.

Since the Trust began vaccinating pregnant women and birthing people against RSV on September 4, more than two thirds of eligible maternity patients have received their vaccinations – an uptake of roughly 65 per cent.

RSV is a common condition which can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis, which can be fatal in babies. Bronchiolitis causes feeding and breathing difficulties and more than 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital in England with the illness every year, with some needing treatment in intensive care.

Cathy Poole, antenatal clinic manager at Southmead Hospital, is currently expecting a baby and received her RSV vaccine when she reached the 28th week of pregnancy earlier this month. She said: “During pregnancy, you can pass on protection to your baby, which means they are more likely to overcome RSV if they pick it up from the general population.

“I’m really pleased we’re offering the RSV vaccine, as it gives mums like me the opportunity to protect our babies against RSV and hopefully against other respiratory illnesses like asthma later on.”

Julie Northrop, divisional director of maternity and nursing for women and children’s at North Bristol NHS Trust, said: “It’s really important that women and birthing people come forwards for their RSV vaccination, as this is the best chance of protecting their babies against this potentially life-threatening illness.

“We’re very proud to have already vaccinated so many maternity patients against RSV here at North Bristol Trust and we look forward to protecting even more babies during the coming months.”

RSV is more likely to be serious in very young babies, those born prematurely, and those with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system.

Babies who are too young to start their routine vaccinations are at greatest risk from RSV, which can also lead to long-lasting health complications in children including asthma. Vaccinating pregnant individuals from 28 weeks onwards offers the best protection against RSV to very young infants.

The RSV vaccination is also available to those aged 75 and older, to ensure that older adults are also protected as the winter months approach.