The first RSV vaccines have been delivered to pregnant women in Cumbria.
The first clinics are being held this week by the North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Clinical lead and specialist nurse in vaccinations, Gayle Howarth was on hand with other members of the team ready to vaccinate women who are 28 weeks pregnant or over.
Gayle, alongside community midwives are offering the vaccination against RSV for the first time, alongside the seasonal flu jab and whooping cough (pertussis) jab.
The team were at West Cumberland Hospital in Whitehaven yesterday, are due to be at Penrith Hospital today, Wednesday, and the Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle tomorrow.
Gayle said: “RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered.
“RSV is a very common virus, and most children will have had it by the time they are two, for some children though this means hospitalisation, this is why this vaccine is so important.”
Denise Lightfoot, consultant midwife, said: “One of the best things a pregnant woman can do to protect themselves and their baby is to have all of the vaccines offered to them, including RSV, flu, whooping cough and COVID-19.
“Having the vaccinations protects women and also gives new born babies vital protection in the first few months of their lives, when they are at their most vulnerable.
“We’re delighted to see so many women at the first clinic ready to be vaccinated.
Claire Nicholl was one of the pregnant women ready to be vaccinated. She said: “I’m really keen to have the vaccines today, I actually contracted whooping cough during my pregnancy and felt really unwell.
“I have since had my vaccine against whooping cough so my baby can be protected as much as possible. When I heard I could also get the RSV and flu vaccine today, I knew I wanted to do so not only for the health of my baby but for me too.”
All pregnant women will be invited to have their vaccines. Full details will be available from community midwives and antenatal clinics.
