New RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women Reduces Infant Hospitalizations by 72%

A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers from the University of Edinburgh and the University of Leicester reveals that vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) during pregnancy significantly reduces the risk of severe lung infections in newborns. The study, published on July 18, 2025, in the prestigious journal *The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health*, found that pregnant women who received the RSV vaccine saw a 72% decrease in hospital admissions for their infants due to RSV-related complications.

The research involved a cohort of 537 babies admitted to hospitals in England and Scotland during the winter of 2024-2025, marking the first implementation season of the RSV vaccine. Of the infants studied, 391 tested positive for RSV. Notably, mothers of babies who did not contract RSV were twice as likely to have received the vaccine before delivery—41% compared to 19% for those whose infants were RSV-positive. The protective effect of the vaccine was notably stronger when administered more than 14 days prior to delivery.

Dr. Thomas Williams, the lead investigator and Pediatric Consultant at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh, emphasized the importance of vaccination in protecting both mothers and their infants from RSV bronchiolitis. He stated, "With the availability of an effective RSV vaccine shown to significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization in young infants in the UK, there is an excellent opportunity for pregnant women to get vaccinated and protect themselves and their infants this coming winter."

Despite the vaccine's proven efficacy, only about half of expectant mothers in England and Scotland are currently receiving it. This gap in vaccination uptake highlights a pressing need for increased awareness and education regarding the vaccine's benefits. In light of these findings, experts advocate for immediate initiatives to raise awareness and improve access to the RSV vaccine among pregnant women.

Professor Damian Roland, a Consultant in Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Leicester Hospitals and the University of Leicester, reiterated the significance of the study by underscoring the broader implications for healthcare systems. "Our work highlights the value of vaccination and, in keeping with the treatment to prevention principles of the NHS 10 Year plan, we would ask all health care systems to consider how they will optimize the rollout of RSV vaccination for mothers."

The RSV vaccine, introduced in the UK in late summer 2024, is a critical advancement in maternal and child health. RSV, while commonly associated with mild respiratory illnesses like colds, can lead to severe lung infections such as bronchiolitis in infants, necessitating hospital admission. Globally, RSV remains the primary infectious cause of hospitalization for infants, making effective preventive measures essential.

The study's results affirm the vaccine's ability to generate maternal antibodies, which are transferred to the fetus, providing newborns with essential protection against severe RSV for up to six months after birth. As the winter season approaches, health officials and researchers continue to stress the importance of vaccination not only for individual health but also for reducing the strain on healthcare systems caused by RSV hospitalizations.

In conclusion, the introduction of the RSV vaccine represents a significant breakthrough in protecting newborns from life-threatening respiratory illnesses. The ongoing challenge remains to enhance vaccination rates among pregnant women, ensuring that more infants can benefit from this critical preventive measure. As health experts call for increased efforts to promote the vaccine, the findings of this study serve as a crucial reminder of the importance of maternal vaccination in safeguarding infant health.