New vaccine could save 1,000 babies from hospitalisation every year in Wales

17 July 2024

A new vaccination programme is being rolled out to protect against a common but potentially dangerous respiratory infection.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very contagious virus which infects 9 out of 10 children before their second birthday. More than 1,000 babies in Wales are hospitalised every year with RSV.

It can also lead to serious health complications for adults aged over 75, resulting in around 125 deaths every year in Wales.

For most people RSV causes a mild respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms. However, for babies under 12 months old and the elderly there is a significant risk of severe infection which could result in hospitalisation.

The vaccination programme will see those aged 75 to 79 years and pregnant women (from 28 weeks gestation) offered vaccination against RSV for the first time from September.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Eluned Morgan, said: "I am delighted to announce the introduction of an RSV vaccine in Wales. Evidence shows that the vaccine is safe and effective and vaccinating our mothers-to-be will help to prevent our youngest babies becoming seriously ill from the virus from birth. 

"This vaccine will also help us to keep older adults safe over the winter months and I would encourage all those who are eligible to come forward."

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said:  "While RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms, it can be serious for the more vulnerable. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV, which could require hospitalisation.

"This vaccination programme will be in place to protect vulnerable groups now and in the future. The RSV vaccine has the potential to save 1,000 young children every year in Wales from hospitalisation and could save the lives of over 125 older people each year.

"It is a game-changing new vaccination programme that will protect thousands of our most vulnerable from getting ill in the first place, or significantly reducing the likelihood of severe infection, keeping people out of hospital and from needing to see a GP, and enabling more people to benefit from NHS services."

More information is available on the Public Health Wales website.