Health chiefs back RSV jab for pregnant women

Pregnant women and older people are being offered the RSV vaccination from 2 September

Pregnant women across the Black Country are encouraged to have a vaccine that is being rolled out nationally to protect newborn babies from a major respiratory virus.

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination is available to women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant.

RSV is a common respiratory condition, but it can lead to breathing difficulties and dangerous lung infections such as infant bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation in severe cases.

NHS England said research showed the jab could reduce a baby's risk of having RSV by 70% in the first six months of their lives.

The vaccination programme is being rolled out across England, Wales and Northern Ireland from 2 September, following a similar scheme in Scotland.

Chloe Le Breton was among the first expectant mums to have the jab

At 32 weeks pregnant, Chloe Le Breton is among the first to receive the new vaccine.

"I jumped at the chance because I want to do everything I can to protect our baby."

It was also being offered to older adults who were turning 75 on or after 1 September, NHS England said.

Helen Hurst, chief midwifery officer for the Black Country Local Maternity and Neonatal System, said a single dose of the vaccine would "boost protection" against the virus.

“This new vaccination programme is coming ahead of the peak winter period and we encourage mums-to-be to ask their midwife about it at their antenatal appointments," she said.

Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust are now offering the jab, with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust setting up clinics from 27 September.

The vaccine will help to "boost your immune system" to produce more antibodies, "which pass through the placenta protecting your baby from the day they are born" said Donna Perkins from Walsall Manor Hospital.