Last year, the College welcomed the announcement and implementation of the new vaccination programme for pregnant women to help reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with RSV infection in infants. However, due to the current criteria for vaccination (at least 28 weeks) set out by DHSC, we warned that this could leave a vulnerable group of preterm babies unprotected.
Alongside the British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM), we wrote to the Chair of the JCVI in July 2024 to ask that the JCVI considers the use of nirsevimab for all preterm babies <32 weeks gestation prior to discharge from hospital and for other high-risk neonates where mothers have not received RSV vaccine.
RCPCH President, Professor Steve Turner, said:
On behalf of our members and their patients I am pleased to see that our calls for the expansion of RSV protection for infants and babies born before 32 weeks has been heard. RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation in infants and can be particularly dangerous for premature babies, whose underdeveloped lungs and immune systems make them especially vulnerable to severe breathing problems caused by RSV infections.
The rollout of this ‘RSV jab’ is a vital step forward in protecting these infants who are at the highest risk of coming to harm from RSV infection. Providing long-lasting protection against RSV, will prevent many babies getting seriously ill and will also ease the immense pressures placed on paediatric and intensive care services by RSV infections in the winter months. This is a significant milestone in safeguarding the health of our most vulnerable babies and also supporting frontline NHS services and staff.