South West leads England in RSV vaccine uptake among pregnant women
Nearly three-quarters of pregnant women in the South West are vaccinated
Last updated 11 hours ago
The South West has recorded the highest uptake of the RSV vaccine among pregnant women in England, providing vital protection against Respiratory Syncytial Virus for newborns.
According to recent data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), 68.7% of pregnant women who gave birth in September 2025 in the South West received the RSV vaccine.
This rate soared to 73% in October 2025, significantly surpassing the national average of 63.6%.
Uptake Rates Across the Region
Integrated Care Boards across the South West have reported strong vaccine uptake in October 2025:
- Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly: 78%
- Gloucestershire: 75.7%
- Devon: 75.1%
- Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon, and Wiltshire: 72.8%
- Somerset: 72.2%
- Dorset: 70.7%
- Bristol, North Somerset, and South Gloucestershire: 69.7%
The RSV vaccine is administered from the 28th week of pregnancy, allowing antibodies to pass through the placenta and protect babies from birth, a period when they are most susceptible to RSV.
While RSV generally causes mild symptoms similar to a cold, it can result in severe lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, affecting thousands of infants annually.
Expert Analysis
Dr. Alasdair Wood, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, highlighted the importance of the vaccination:
"It is genuinely encouraging to see the South West leading on RSV vaccination uptake, with nearly three-quarters of pregnant women in our region now getting vaccinated, the highest rate in England."
Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health at NHS England South West, urged expectant mothers to take the opportunity to get vaccinated:
"The RSV vaccine boosts your immune system and helps to protect your baby from the day they are born."
Pregnant women should schedule their vaccination around their 28-week antenatal appointment.
For those who have not been contacted, reaching out to maternity services or GP practices is recommended.