The Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Pregnant women urged to get vaccine

Pregnant women in Peterborou­gh are being urged to get their RSV vaccinatio­n, as a new vaccine offer launches this week.

The RSV vaccine offers protection against Respirator­y Syncytial Virus (RSV), a virus that causes coughs and colds. Whilst these coughs and colds are usually not serious, babies who are under six months old are particular­ly at risk of getting seriously ill from the virus – so the NHS will now offer the RSV vaccine to all people who are 28 weeks pregnant or more.

Having the vaccine during pregnancy helps to protect young babies, as pregnant people share the antibodies they make after vaccinatio­n with their unborn child through the placenta.

Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccinatio­n Service Lead with NHS Cambridges­hire & Peterborou­gh, said: “By getting your RSV vaccinatio­n whilst you’re pregnant, you can protect your baby in the first months of their lives – helping to give them the best start possible.

“With a range of regular pop-up clinics in convenient locations we’ve made it as easy as possible for you to get the RSV vaccine. If you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more, please don’t put it off – get your vaccine now.”

Getting the vaccinatio­n is easy. From this week onwards, vaccinatio­n teams will be hosting regular clinics for pregnant people in a range of locations including Peterborou­gh, Wisbech, Huntingdon, and more. These clinics will offer bookable appointmen­ts alongside walk-in opportunit­ies. You can find out more at www.thevaccina­tors.co.uk.

People aged 75-79 will continue to be offered the RSV vaccine, and can access their vaccinatio­n by speaking to their GP practice.