Submitted by James Cantwell on Fri, 10/10/2025 - 11:34
The first UK-based analysis of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine uptake during pregnancy and its association with perinatal outcomes has found no evidence of increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes among vaccinated women.
Led by researchers from the University of Cambridge, Primary Care Unit, and City St George’s, University of London, the study is the first UK-based analysis to explore RSV vaccine uptake during pregnancy. It also provides a holistic view of how age, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence vaccine uptake, with implications for infant health and public health policy. However, the authors note that the study was not designed to assess vaccine safety in depth, and further research is needed.
RSV is a major cause of infant hospitalisation and mortality. In the UK alone, it is responsible for around 33,500 hospitalisations in children under five years old, and 20–30 deaths annually. RSV infects up to 90% of children within their first two years of life and frequently reinfects older children..
The RSV Vaccine is expected to prevent up to 5000 hospitalisations and 15000 emergency department visits annually in the UK, reducing the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months of life.
Ethnicity, age and socio-economic disparities
The study found that older women from higher socioeconomic backgrounds and white ethnic groups were more likely to receive the vaccine. In contrast, uptake was lower among women of an ethnic minority and those from deprived areas, which is a pattern consistent with other maternal vaccines such as the Flu and COVID Jabs
As of August 2025, over two million people (including 337,000 pregnant women) in England have received the RSV vaccine, yet uptake remains uneven, with London reporting the lowest coverage nationally.
“This study provides a pivotal window into RSV vaccination in pregnancy alongside perinatal outcomes,” said Dr Mohammad Sharif Razai. “The data informs that uptake is growing, but in uneven ways, with disparities in ethnicity and socio-economic status. This pointing to the need for equitable, targeted public health strategies for people to make informed decisions; particularly in communities with historically lower uptake.”
Varied implementation
Concerns about higher rates of preterm birth (PTB) associated with RSV vaccines were raised in early clinical trials. Despite being approved by the EU for use in pregnancy in 2023, the implementation of the vaccines vary. For example, in France it is recommended between 32- and 36-weeks’ gestation, while the UK Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends receiving one dose of RSV vaccine in every pregnancy from 28 weeks’ gestation.
This variation of implementation reflects different approaches to the safety of RSV vaccines, corresponding to the assertion of the authors of this study, that targeted interventions are needed to inform communities where uptake is at its lowest.
Professor Asma Khalil, Professor of Obstetrics and Maternal Medicine at City St George’s, University of London said: “The differing approaches to RSV vaccine rollout across Europe reflect sentiments of caution in its use in pregnancy. Our findings are reassuring, but they show that communities with the lowest uptake can also be among the least likely to access trusted information. We need to engage with people on their terms, with clear, culturally sensitive messaging and support”.
The study points to the need for further research to assess vaccine safety in depth, with deeper understanding on how to create public health interventions that improve vaccine delivery and awareness.