A vaccine for RSV could prevent 900 babies from being admitted to hospital in London each year, an NHS study has revealed.
NHS London analysis shows that the jab, which was rolled out this week, could lead to a sharp drop in severe illness for infants in the capital.
RSV is highly contagious and while it causes mild, cold-like symptoms in most cases, it can be serious and even life-threatening to babies, older people and those with a weakened immune system.
The jab is being offered to pregnant women at 28 weeks, and older adults, including those turning 75.
A one-off ‘catch-up’ jab will also be available for everyone aged 75 to 79 years old.
Analysis by NHS officials found that the vaccine could prevent around 3,600 GP consultations in London, plus an estimate of around 2,700 emergency department attendances every year.
It would also lead to 12,600 fewer cases of RSV in children under a year old in London.
The NHS estimates that if around 60 per cent get the RSV jab it could prevent nearly 40 children being admitted to intensive care units at London hospitals this winter.
RSV illness is the main cause of winter pressures in children’s hospitals each year.
Chief Nurse for the NHS in London, Jane Clegg, said: “We’re encouraging everyone who is eligible, to get the RSV vaccine this autumn. RSV is very common, with around nine out of every ten children getting the infection before they are two years old.
“Many people are still not aware of this virus, which in some cases can lead to severe lung infections, like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70 per cent in the first six months of life.”
Analysis by pharmaceutical firm Sanofi found that there were 6,955 patients in hospital with RSV in the capital from April 2022 to March 2023.
A total of 395 newborn babies aged between 0 and 28 days were hospitalised during the period in London, according to the figures, while 6,525 children aged between 0 and 4 years were admitted.
Having the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect a baby against RSV, as the vaccine boosts the immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus.
These antibodies are then passed through the placenta to help protect a baby from the day they are born.
Pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.
