• RSV vaccine being offered to pregnant women in Bolton as part of major NHS jab rollout
• Pregnant women can receive the vaccine from 28 weeks
• Drop-in clinics are available in the community and at Royal Bolton Hospital

Pregnant women in Bolton are being invited to be vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) for the first time in NHS history.

It’s a landmark moment for the NHS as it kick starts its first ever jab rollout to protect people from RSV.

RSV, a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.

Drop-in clinics at Crompton Health Centre and Royal Bolton Hospital

Maternity teams at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust are offering drop-in clinics for women who are over 28 weeks pregnant and have not yet been vaccinated on the following days:

• Monday – Crompton Health Centre – 10am-2pm
• Wednesday – Antenatal Clinic – 9am-4pm
• Thursday – Antenatal Clinic – 9am-4pm
• Friday – Antenatal Clinic – 9am-4pm

Research from the thousands of women across the world who have been vaccinated against RSV shows that it reduces the risk of severe lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life.

A recent study in the Lancet also showed that the new programme could prevent 5,000 hospitalisations and 15,000 A&E attendances for infants – a critical, life-saving step forward to help front line staff prepare for increased winter pressures.

Mel Wildman, Assistant Divisional Midwifery and Nursing Director at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust, said:

Having the vaccine from 28 weeks in your pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby from becoming seriously ill with RSV.

“As part of the major jab rollout, we’ve been working hard to make sure it’s as easy as possible to get your life-saving vaccine alongside your maternity care by dropping in to one of our antenatal clinics at Royal Bolton Hospital.

“It’s best to get vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks, but you’re able to get the jab right up until you go into labour. As well as our drop-in clinics, you can also speak to your GP about receiving the vaccine.

For more information about the RSV vaccine, please visit NHS England’s website.