Respiratory Syncytial Virus – RSV (Pregnant)
What is the RSV Vaccine if Pregnant?
The vaccine helps protect your newborn baby from RSV, a virus that can cause serious breathing problems. Antibodies from the vaccine pass through the placenta to your baby, offering early protection.
How is it Spread?
- Through coughs, sneezes, and close contact
- Touching contaminated surfaces
- Common in nurseries and crowded places, especially in winter
Who is at Risk?
- Babies under 1 year (especially premature babies)
- Babies with heart or lung conditions
- Older adults and people with weakened immunity (different vaccine programme)
Signs and Symptoms:
- Runny nose, cough, fever
- Wheezing, noisy breathing
- Poor feeding and tiredness
- Severe cases: bronchiolitis, pneumonia
When to Consider Vaccination:
- Between 24–36 weeks of pregnancy
- During the RSV season (autumn to spring)
- To protect your baby in their first months of life
The Vaccine:
- Single injection
- Safe and well-tolerated (sore arm, mild fever)
- Protects your baby from serious RSV illness after birth
Do
- Get vaccinated during pregnancy (typically 28–36 weeks) to protect your newborn from RSV
- Speak to your midwife or GP about RSV risk and the benefits of maternal vaccination
- Practise good hygiene around newborns during RSV season
Do not
- Miss the recommended vaccination window — timing matters for newborn protection
- Wait until birth to think about RSV protection — early immunity starts in the womb
- Let sick visitors near your newborn without precautions