Pregnant women urged to get vaccinated amid RSV surge

Pregnant women are being urged to get vaccinated against RSV, as NHS England warns of rising cases and expands pharmacy access for those from 28 weeks.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common infection that can cause serious breathing problems, especially in babies and young children.

It is a leading cause of infant death worldwide and a major cause of hospitalisation in young children. Last winter, children with RSV accounted for almost 7,000 hospital bed days in England.

Cases have been rising steadily since early 2025, with nearly half occurring in children aged zero to four years.

Australia’s 2023 winter season – considered a reliable predictor for England – saw the highest number of RSV cases on record.

Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: “While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation.

“Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating.”

NHS England is increasing the number of pharmacies offering the vaccine.

Around 100 sites are now providing it across the East of England and the Midlands, up from 40 in the spring. Plans are underway to add up to 150 more, particularly in areas with limited access.

Many of these pharmacy sites will also offer the whooping cough vaccine (pertussis) to eligible pregnant women.

Women from 28 weeks of pregnancy can access the RSV vaccine through their maternity service, local GP practice or participating pharmacy.

Research by the UK Health Security Agency has found the vaccine to be 72 per cent effective in preventing hospital admissions among newborns, when given at least 14 days before delivery.

Older adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible for the vaccine, which is 82 per cent effective in preventing hospitalisation in this group.

From late September, NHS England will also roll out nirsevimab – a single-dose injection for eligible high-risk and very preterm babies who have not received protection through maternal vaccination. This will not be available in pharmacies or GP practices.

The expanded pharmacy rollout forms part of broader efforts to improve vaccine access and protect vulnerable groups before the peak winter season.