Pregnant women in Wolverhampton are being offered a new vaccine to help protect their newborn babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Expectant mothers who are at least 28 weeks pregnant are encouraged to schedule their RSV vaccine appointments before winter begins. While RSV symptoms can often be mild, it is responsible for around 30,000 hospital admissions for children under five years old in the UK each year.
In addition to pregnant women, the City of Wolverhampton Council will also offer the vaccine to individuals aged over 75.
RSV is particularly prevalent during the winter months and is associated with 20 to 30 infant deaths annually in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). It can lead to severe illnesses such as pneumonia and can worsen existing lung diseases, resulting in approximately 9,000 hospital admissions for those aged over 75.
John Denley, the director of public health in Wolverhampton, emphasized the importance of the vaccine, stating, “RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. While infections typically resolve on their own, they can sometimes pose serious risks for babies and older adults.”
The RSV vaccine is available throughout the year, but it is especially crucial for eligible individuals to get vaccinated as winter approaches, when the virus becomes more widespread.
Symptoms of RSV can include a cough, cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, fatigue, and fever. Most cases are not severe and usually resolve within two to three weeks, according to the UKHSA.
The council also noted that all adults aged 75 will receive invitations from their GP to get the vaccine.
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