A new vaccine will be rolled out across Wales to protect babies and young children from the respiratory syncytial viras (RSV). Health secretary Eluned Morgan announced that the vaccine will be offered to pregnant women in the hope it will save 1,000 babies from hospitalisation every year in Wales. RSV is a very contagious virus and infects nine out of 10 children before their second birthday.
More than a thousand babies in Wales are hospitalised with RSV every year. The virus can also severely affect those aged over 75 resulting in around 125 deaths a year. Those aged 75-79 will also be offered the vaccine.
READ MORE: Six essential warning signs of RSV READ MORE: More than 2,000 cases of measles found in UK From September the vaccine will be offered to people aged between 75 and 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation. Women are routinely offered vaccinations when pregnant to protect their baby against whooping cough. Symptoms of RSV include a runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing.
For the latest health and Covid news sign up to our newsletter here . Mrs Morgan said: “I am delighted to announce the introduction of an RSV vaccine in Wales. Evidence shows that the vaccine is safe and effective and vaccinating our mothers-to-be will help to prevent our youngest babies becoming seriously ill from the virus from birth.
This vaccine will also help us to keep older adults safe over the winter months and I would encourage all those who are eli.