Jab to be given to premature babies in bid to create ‘protective bubble’
NHS to roll out new vital jab for premature babies
- The NHS in England will roll out a new jab, nirsevimab, this autumn to protect premature babies from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
- From late September, the single-dose injection will be offered to infants born before 32 weeks, providing six months of protection and replacing previous monthly injections.
- Experts anticipate the drug will offer a “protective bubble” for thousands of vulnerable infants, significantly reducing their risk of severe illness and hospitalisation from RSV.
- Approximately 9,000 babies across the UK, including those in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, are expected to benefit from this new immunisation programme.
- Trial data indicates nirsevimab offers over 80 per cent protection against RSV, a common virus responsible for around 30,000 hospital admissions and 30 deaths among youngsters in the UK annually.