Maternal RSV Vaccine Cuts Infant Hospital Admissions by Over 80%, UK Study Shows
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Apr 17
Maternal RSV Vaccine Cuts Infant Hospital Admissions by Over 80%, UK Study Shows
14 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Apr 17
A UK study has found that vaccinating pregnant women against RSV reduces infant hospital admissions for the virus by over 80%.
The vaccine, offered from 28 weeks of pregnancy, is most effective when given at least two weeks before birth, with protection rising to nearly 85% at four weeks.
RSV is a leading cause of infant hospitalisation; experts say maternal vaccination could significantly improve newborn health, especially in preterm infants.
Could protecting infants from RSV have unintended consequences for their future immunity?
Maternal vaccine or infant antibody shot: which RSV shield is best for newborns?
This new vaccine slashes infant hospitalizations, but is it truly safe for pregnancy?
With a Pfizer-funded study, can we fully trust these groundbreaking RSV results?
Will this vaccine finally end the winter surge of sick babies in hospitals?
How will poorer countries afford this new life-saving infant protection?
Breakthrough UK Study Reveals Maternal RSV Vaccine Reduces Infant Hospitalizations by Up to 85%
Overview
A major UK study analyzing data from nearly 300,000 infants born between September 2024 and March 2025 confirmed that maternal RSV vaccination significantly reduces infant hospitalizations. Vaccinating pregnant women at least 14 days before delivery provided over 80% protection, increasing to nearly 85% when given four weeks prior. Preterm infants also benefited, though with slightly lower effectiveness. The vaccination program launched in England in September 2024 saw uptake rise to over 64% by late 2025, supported by growing public confidence. Maternal vaccination works by transferring protective antibodies to the fetus, while monoclonal antibody treatments offer complementary, longer-lasting protection, especially for preterm babies. Global efforts, led by WHO and Gavi, aim to expand access, though challenges remain in low-income countries.