New RSV Maternal Vaccine Programme Leads to 50% Drop in Newborn ICU Admissions in First Year

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has released its annual report on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), revealing a significant 50% decrease in the number of infants under six months admitted to intensive care with RSV-related illnesses in England. This report marks the first time data has been presented reflecting the annual impact of the NHS’s maternal vaccination programme against RSV.

Reducing ICU Admissions Among Infants

During the previous winter season of 2025-26, just 63 infants under six months were admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) or higher dependency units (HDUs) across the 20 NHS trusts participating in the surveillance. In contrast, the same trusts recorded 131 admissions in the preceding winter of 2024-25. This remarkable reduction underscores the effectiveness of the maternal vaccination programme in safeguarding newborns from severe RSV disease.

The maternal RSV vaccination programme commenced in September 2024, with its full impact anticipated in the winter of 2025-26 as more pregnant women became eligible for immunisation over the preceding year. The programme aims to protect newborns, who face a heightened risk of severe illness from RSV, by offering vaccinations to expectant mothers from 28 weeks of pregnancy.

In the year spanning March 2025 to February 2026, the report indicates that 61.7% of women giving birth had received the RSV vaccine, showcasing a positive uptake among eligible mothers.

Trends in RSV Seasonality and Hospital Admissions

Typically, the RSV season in the UK begins in October; however, in the last winter, cases did not begin to rise until early November, peaking between weeks 49 and 52 (December) of 2025. Historically, babies born in late summer or autumn are at a greater risk of hospital admissions due to RSV.

In previous years, more than 1,000 infants were admitted weekly to NHS Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments due to bronchiolitis, with most cases attributed to RSV. The recent report indicates that peak weekly A&E attendances for infant bronchiolitis in England during 2025-26 were lower than in prior seasons, and the peak season was notably shorter.

Bronchiolitis, a common viral infection characterised by inflammation of the small airways in a baby’s lungs, affects approximately 90% of children in their first two years. While many cases can be managed at home, some infants require hospitalisation, including intensive care, due to the severity of their condition.

The Efficacy of the Maternal Vaccine

A study conducted by UKHSA earlier this year, presented at the ESCMID conference, reported that a single dose of the maternal vaccine provides over 80% protection against hospital admission for newborns. The vaccine is recommended for administration around week 28 of pregnancy, optimising protection for preterm infants, although it can still be administered until labour commences.

Dr Conall Watson, an Immunisation Consultant at UKHSA, highlighted the severity of RSV infections, stating that they can lead to serious complications, including the need for life support in intensive care. The halving of intensive care admissions since the introduction of the maternal vaccination programme reflects its significant impact on public health.

Encouraging Uptake and Ongoing Support for Mothers

Yvette Cooper, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, emphasised the necessity of prioritising maternity and child health within the NHS. She noted that the RSV vaccine, introduced by the government, has the potential to save lives and praised the positive uptake among mothers. Cooper expressed a commitment to ensuring the effective rollout of the programme across all regions.

Caroline Temmink, NHS Director of Vaccinations, remarked on the positive findings from the analysis, attributing the reduction in ICU admissions to the effective vaccination of mothers during pregnancy. She encouraged pregnant women over 28 weeks to engage with their local maternity services or GP practices to secure their vaccinations, as RSV poses a risk throughout the year.

Key Findings on RSV Patterns and Vaccination Impact

The report also provides insights into disease patterns, vaccine uptake, and the overall impact of both the maternal and older adult vaccination programmes during the recent RSV season. Key findings include:

• RSV cases typically began in early November, peaking in late December before declining to low levels by March 2026.
• Infection peaks for RSV occurred later than in previous years, correlating with improved vaccination rates.
• By the end of May this year, 65% of eligible older adults had received the RSV vaccine.
• Analysis in England indicated a sustained reduction of over 40% in RSV-related hospitalisation rates among adults aged 75 to 80 years.

The encouraging results from the report signal a positive shift in the fight against RSV, bolstered by the successful implementation of maternal vaccination strategies.