RSV vaccine in pregnancy

SV can make newborn babies and infants very unwell. 

Babies can develop severe lung problems, such as bronchiolitis (swelling of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia (swelling of the air sacs in the lungs). Babies with bronchiolitis or pneumonia may need to go to hospital to help them get better. 

RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis in infants. Bronchiolitis can make it hard for young children to breathe, especially in:  

• babies born early (at 35 weeks or earlier)  

• babies with certain heart or lung problems, or  

• babies who have severe problems with their immune systems.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programme for pregnant women for infant protection

How does getting vaccinated during pregnancy protect my baby? 

The protection you get from the vaccine will pass to your baby through the placenta. The placenta is on the inside of your womb and links your blood supply with your unborn baby. 

The vaccine will help protect your baby in the first few months of life when they are most vulnerable. 

The vaccine also helps to prevent pregnant women from getting RSV and lowers the risk of them passing it on to their baby. 

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programme for pregnant women for infant protection

Is the RSV vaccine safe in pregnancy? 

All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness before they are allowed to be used. Once they are in use, their safety continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). 

There is no evidence of risks to your pregnancy from this type of vaccine. The RSV vaccine is not a live vaccine, so it cannot cause RSV in women or their babies. The RSV vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect your unborn baby from RSV. 

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programme for pregnant women for infant protection