NHS clinics to offer RSV vaccine to pregnant women

Anyone who is 28 weeks pregnant or more can take the jab at the newly launched clinics

Pregnant women are being offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for protection against coughs and colds by the NHS.

Vaccine clinics are being run in Peterborough, Huntingdon and Wisbech in Cambridgeshire as well as Royston in Hertfordshire this week, and anyone who is at least 28 weeks pregnant can have the jab.

While these coughs and colds are usually not serious, babies who are under six months old are particularly at risk of getting seriously ill from the virus and taking the jab during pregnancy helps to protect babies under six months old, as pregnant people share the antibodies with their unborn child through the placenta.

These clinics will offer bookable appointments alongside walk-in opportunities.

Cali Makewell, integrated vaccination service lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “By getting your RSV vaccination whilst you’re pregnant, you can protect your baby in the first months of their lives.

“With a range of regular pop-up clinics in convenient locations we've made it as easy as possible for you to get the RSV vaccine.

“If you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more, please don’t put it off – get your vaccine now.”

People aged 75-79 will continue to be offered the RSV vaccine, and can access their vaccination by speaking to their GP practice.