Resources to support practitioners in Respiratory Illnesses when working with families
This document contains specific resources or sections of resources have been recognised as being useful to parents/carers and practitioners. Inclusion doesn’t signify endorsement by the iHV but aims to highlight specific resources which may be of benefit to some families and/or professionals.
Resources to support practitioners – RSV Vaccination Programme
From 1 September 2024, pregnant women can have a free vaccine in each pregnancy, to protect their babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
This is a common virus which can cause a lung infection called bronchiolitis, which in small babies can cause them to find it hard to breathe and feed. Most babies can be managed at home but around 20,000 infants are admitted to hospital with bronchiolitis each year in England. Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and in some cases the infection can be fatal. RSV is more likely to be serious in very young babies, those born prematurely, and those with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system.
The vaccine works by boosting the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect babies from the day they are born. The RSV vaccination reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first 6 months of life. After this age babies are at much lower risk of severe RSV. Older children and adults can also get RSV infection, but the disease is more serious for small babies and people aged 75 and over.
For more information and supporting resources, please see the links below:
