The NHS is now offering a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to pregnant women to help protect against coughs and colds.
This week, vaccine clinics are available in Peterborough, Huntingdon, and Wisbech in Cambridgeshire, as well as in Royston, Hertfordshire. Pregnant women who are at least 28 weeks along can receive the vaccine.
While coughs and colds are typically mild, RSV can be severe for babies under six months old. Receiving the vaccine during pregnancy helps protect these young infants since antibodies are transferred from the mother to the baby through the placenta.
The clinics will provide both scheduled appointments and walk-in options.
Cali Makewell, integrated vaccination service lead for NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, emphasized the importance of the vaccine: “Getting the RSV vaccine while you’re pregnant helps protect your baby during their first months of life. We’ve set up convenient pop-up clinics to make it easier for you to get the vaccine. If you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more, please get your vaccine now.”
Additionally, people aged 75-79 are also eligible for the RSV vaccine and should contact their GP practice to arrange their vaccination.
