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RSV vaccine for pregnant women

An image of a pregnant woman smiling whilst holding her bump. Also, the

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. For most adults and children, RSV infection causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold, which usually gets better on its own. However, for some, especially babies under one year of age and older adults, RSV can be very serious and can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia. At least half of all children have RSV in the first year of life and almost all will have had it by the time they are two. 

You can help protect your baby against RSV from birth by having the RSV vaccination while you are pregnant. 

  • RSV can occur all year round but is more common during the autumn and winter. 
  • More than 1,000 babies in Wales end up in hospital because of the virus. The number of people going to hospital because of RSV has increased in the last 20 years.  
  • If you have had an RSV infection in the past, it does not mean you cannot get RSV again.

Eligibility for the vaccine

About the vaccine

Safety and effectiveness

 

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