NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) has announced that starting from Monday the 12th of August 2024, all pregnant women will be offered the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination from their routine 28-week antenatal appointment.
RSV is the leading cause of emergency respiratory admissions in infants in Scotland. Last year alone, 1,516 babies under one year old were hospitalised due to this virus. By getting vaccinated from 28 weeks, mums can give their baby the best protection right from birth.
RSV is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, fever, and decreased appetite. While most people recover in 2-3 weeks, RSV can sometimes lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in young babies, which may require hospitalisation.
How to get vaccinated
All women who have not yet had their 28-week routine antenatal appointment will be offered the vaccine in a discussion with their midwife during this session.
Women in Inverclyde and Vale of Leven who have passed the 28-week mark in their pregnancy by the 12th of August, will be offered the vaccine at their next routine appointment.
Women in all other areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde who have surpassed 28 weeks in their pregnancy by the 12th of August are invited to attend one of the following drop-in clinics to receive their vaccination.
- Saturday 17th August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, Level 2, seminar room
- Saturday 17th August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, outpatient department
- Sunday 18th August – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Maternity vaccination room.
- Saturday 24th August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, Level 2, outpatient department
- Saturday 24th August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, outpatient department
- Sunday 25th August – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Maternity vaccination room.
- Saturday 31st August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, Level 2, seminar room
- Saturday 31st August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, outpatient department
- Sunday 1st September – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Maternity vaccination room
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said:
“RSV is a new vaccine available this year, and it’s crucial for pregnant women to know about it. Even if you feel fit and healthy, your newborn will be at their most vulnerable at birth. By getting vaccinated at 28 weeks, you’re giving your baby the best fighting chance against RSV from the moment they enter the world.”
View the JCVI advice on RSV immunisation programmes
View information on the RSV vaccine for adults on NHS inform
View information on the RSV vaccine for babies on NHS inform
