NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) has announced that starting from Monday 12 August 2024, all pregnant women will be offered the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination from their routine 28-week antenatal appointment.
RSV is the leading cause of emergency respiratory admissions in infants in Scotland. Last year alone, 1,516 babies under one year old were hospitalised due to this virus. By getting vaccinated from 28 weeks, mums can give their baby the best protection right from birth.
RSV is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, fever, and decreased appetite. While most people recover in 2-3 weeks, RSV can sometimes lead to severe illnesses like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, especially in young babies, which may require hospitalisation.
How to get vaccinated
All women who have not yet had their 28-week routine antenatal appointment, will be offered the vaccine in a discussion with their midwife during this session.
Women in Inverclyde and Vale of Leven who have passed the 28-week mark in their pregnancy by the Monday 12 August 2024, will be offered the vaccine at their next routine appointment.
Women in all other areas of Greater Glasgow and Clyde who have surpassed 28 weeks in their pregnancy by the 12 August are invited to attend one of the following drop-in clinics to receive their vaccination.
- Saturday 17 August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER – Level 2, seminar room
- Saturday 17 August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Corsebar Road, Paisley PA2 9PN – outpatient department
- Sunday 18 August – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF – Maternity vaccination room.
- Saturday 24 August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, 16 Alexandra Parade, Glasgow G31 2ER – Level 2, outpatient department
- Saturday 24 August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, Corsebar Road, Paisley PA2 9PN -outpatient department
- Sunday 25 August – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Maternity vaccination room.
- Saturday 31 August – 9-5pm at Princess Royal Maternity, Level 2, seminar room
- Saturday 31 August – 9-5pm at Royal Alexandra Hospital, outpatient department
- Sunday 1 September – 9-5pm at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Maternity vaccination room
Dr Emilia Crighton, Director of Public Health at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “RSV is a new vaccine available this year, and it’s crucial for pregnant women to know about it. Even if you feel fit and healthy, your newborn will be at their most vulnerable at birth. By getting vaccinated at 28 weeks, you’re giving your baby the best fighting chance against RSV from the moment they enter the world.”
