Plate Nº 30 · recorded October 10, 2026
Health & Medicine ResearchReported finding
Maternal RSV vaccine cuts infant hospitalization by 74%, but uptake lags
A review of 16 studies covering 4 million pregnancies finds the maternal RSV vaccine cuts infant hospitalization by 74%, but uptake varies widely — from 62% in Scotland to 27% in the U.S.
By Marcus Bennett3 min read691 words
In brief
- Maternal RSV vaccine reduced RSV-related hospitalization in babies under six months by about 74%, matching clinical trial results.
- The review combined data from more than 4 million pregnancies across 16 studies conducted between 2023 and 2025.
- More than 30 countries have introduced the maternal RSV vaccine, but coverage ranges from 62% (Scotland, October 2025) to 27% (United States, first year).
- No increased preterm birth risk was detected among women vaccinated at 32–35 weeks, based on data from more than 16,000 pregnancies.
- Lower uptake was observed among younger mothers, some ethnic groups, and people with reduced access to health care.
Maternal vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) lowers the risk of severe disease in babies under six months by 74%, according to a new systematic review of real-world data covering more than 4 million pregnancies.
The review, published in The Lancet Regional Health — Europe, brings together 16 studies conducted between 2023 and 2025. It offers the clearest picture yet of how the vaccine performs outside clinical trials — and how unevenly countries have rolled it out.
What did the researchers find?
The core result matches the clinical trials: babies whose mothers received the RSV vaccine during pregnancy were about 74% less likely to be hospitalized for RSV-related illness in their first six months. Effectiveness peaks when the shot is given at least two weeks before birth.
The review also found no evidence of increased preterm birth risk among women vaccinated at 32–35 weeks of pregnancy, based on safety data from more than 16,000 pregnancies. That detail matters, because earlier safety questions had made some clinicians cautious.
How much vaccine are countries actually using?
Global uptake varies dramatically. More than 30 countries now offer maternal RSV vaccination, either as a stand-alone program or alongside infant immunization. But coverage rates tell a different story:
- Scotland reached 62% of pregnant women in October 2025, its highest rate since the U.K. launched the program in September 2024.
- England hit 58% in August 2025.
- The United States recorded an estimated 27% uptake during the vaccine's first year.
These figures fall below rates for other maternal vaccines, such as whooping cough, in the same period.
Who is being missed?
The review flagged lower uptake among several groups: younger mothers, people with reduced access to health care, and some socioeconomic and ethnic communities. The authors argue this is the next problem to solve.
Dr. Ting Shi, from the University of Edinburgh's Usher Institute, said: "We found the vaccine reduced the risk of RSV-related hospitalization in babies under six months by around 74%, which lines up well with what the clinical trials predicted, and we found no evidence of an increased risk of preterm birth. But uptake during the first vaccination seasons was low."
She added: "Timing matters too. The vaccine works best when it's given at least two weeks before birth, so making sure women can access it early in their eligibility window is key. The vaccine itself looks safe and effective — the next challenge is making sure everyone who could benefit actually gets it."
What still needs to happen?
The researchers call for three things: targeted outreach to under-vaccinated groups, stronger vaccine supply chains, and policies that keep maternal RSV programs on national agendas as more countries adopt them.
Dr. Evelyn Balsells, of the University of Granada, put it plainly: "Research shows that RSV vaccination during pregnancy protects babies. Efforts to increase uptake and reduce disparities will be essential to maximize the benefits of maternal RSV vaccination."
Dr. Kimberly Marsh, who leads viral respiratory pathogens work at Public Health Scotland, stressed the equity gap: "This review shows that maternal RSV vaccination is protecting babies from severe illness but uptake is not equal across all communities. Monitoring vaccine coverage and addressing barriers faced by some ethnic groups and more deprived communities will be important to ensure that all families can benefit from protection the RSV vaccine offers to babies."
What are the limits of this evidence?
The review pools observational and real-world data, not new randomized trials. Uptake estimates depend on how each country records vaccinations, and the 16 studies use different methods. They also cover a small number of high-income countries, despite the global framing.
Longer-term safety data — beyond preterm birth — will take more seasons to accumulate. The research team included colleagues from Public Health Scotland and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), with input from six other U.K. universities.
Still, the authors say, the signal is consistent enough to act on now: the vaccine works, the safety profile is reassuring, and the gap between who is protected and who is not is the central challenge for the next phase of rollout.
via Medical Xpress (Source)
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