Maternity and primary care services on vaccination in pregnancy
Maximising uptake of antenatal vaccinations and the introduction of a maternal vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for infant protection this autumn and winter
As we approach autumn, the introduction of a new maternal vaccine against RSV for infant protection, and with an ongoing national incident in newborn pertussis infections and mortality, we write to set out the essential role of maternity, community pharmacy and primary care services in advising pregnant women of their eligibility for vaccination against pertussis, flu, covid-19, and RSV; providing evidence-based advice on the safety and effectiveness of these vaccines in pregnancy; and facilitating easy access to vaccination. We also summarise the support and guidance available to services to do this.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – year-round programme
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) wrote to NHS systems on 24 June 2024 setting out next steps for the delivery of a new, year-round maternal RSV vaccination programme to protect newborns from Sunday 1 September 2024.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms during the winter months. Babies under 1 year of age and older adults are at the greatest risk of hospitalisation with respiratory disease.
For these babies in particular, the JCVI estimates that RSV causes 108,000 GP consultations, 74,000 visits to A&E, 20,000 paediatric admissions, 900 intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and 22 deaths each year.
Evidence suggests that achieving just 60% coverage year-round for infants under 6 months old could prevent 20,000 GP consultations, 15,000 A&E visits, 5,000 paediatric admissions, and 200 ICU admissions every year.