Pregnant women offered vaccine to help newborns

Respiratory syncytial virus accounts for 20 to 30 infant deaths in the UK every year

Pregnant women in Wolverhampton are being offered a new vaccine to protect newborn babies.

Women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant are being encouraged to book in for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine before the start of winter.

While the symptoms for the respiratory virus can be mild, it accounts for about 30,000 hospital admissions for children under five in the UK.

The vaccine will also be offered to people aged over 75, said City of Wolverhampton Council.

RSV, which is common over the winter period, also accounts for 20 to 30 infant deaths in the UK every year, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

It can also cause pneumonia and flare ups of existing lung disease, leading to about 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75.

John Denley, Wolverhampton's director of public health, said: "RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Infections usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults.

"The RSV vaccine is given all year round but it's particularly important that people who are eligible for the jab make sure they are protected as we head into the winter months, when the virus is more common."

Symptoms can include a cough or a cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever. Most cases are not serious and clear up within two to three weeks, said the UKHSA.

All adults aged 75 will be invited by their GP for the vaccine, said the council.