RSV risk slashed by pregnancy vaccine as hospital admissions cut by 80 per cent

RSV risk slashed by pregnancy vaccine as hospital admissions cut by 80 per centA UK Health Security Agency followed 300,000 babies born in England that found 4,500 of them were admitted to hospital - the vast majority of whom had not been vaccinatedCommentsNewsAnders Anglesey News Reporter11:53, 18 Apr 2026Updated 11:57, 18 Apr 2026View 3 ImagesSome 64 per cent of pregnant women in England got the vaccine (Image: Getty Images)A pregnancy vaccine has led to an 80 per cent reduction in hospital admissions of babies with a the nasty respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) chest infection, health chiefs have said.‌More than 20,000 babies were estimated to need hospital care after falling ill with RSV. The illness typically affects babies in the first months of their lives and can result in them gasping for air and struggling to feed.‌Pregnant women have been offered a vaccine from 28 weeks in a bid to reduce occurrence of the illness in new-borns since 2024. A study analysed the effects of the vaccine, which the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said gave "excellent protection" to babies when they are at their most vulnerable.‌View 3 ImagesPregnant women have been advised to get the vaccine(Image: Getty Images)READ MORE: BBC doctor tells all over-35s to buy £20 tester after Eamonn Holmes strokeREAD MORE: 11 groups at risk of high blood pressure - and 5 signs to look forThe RSV virus is a leading cause of babies being admitted to hospital before their first birthday. According to the NHS, babies under 6 months old, young children who were born prematurely, adults over 75 as well as people with weakened immune systems are most at risk.Almost all children get RSV at least once before they are 2. In severe cases, the virus can cause breathing problems that requires hospital treatment.‌Dr Conall Watson, the programme lead for RSV at the UKHSA told the BBC: "This is very, very frightening as a parent, frightening with good reason." Dr Watson's comments afte...