Today North Cumbria Integrated Care (NCIC) delivered the first respiratory syncytial virus RSV vaccines to pregnant women in west Cumbria.   

Clinical Lead and Specialist Nurse in Vaccinations, Gayle Howarth was on hand with other members of the team ready to vaccinate women who are 28 weeks pregnant or over.  

The team were at West Cumberland Hospital where the first clinic was held, they will be at Penrith Hospital tomorrow (Wednesday) and the Cumberland Infirmary Carlisle on Thursday.   

Gayle, alongside community midwives are offering the vaccination against RSV for the first time, alongside the seasonal flu jab and Whooping cough (pertussis) jab.   

Gayle said:   

“RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered. RSV is a very common virus, and most children will have had it by the time they are two, for some children though this means hospitalisation, this is why this vaccine is so important.”  

Denise Lightfoot, Consultant Midwife at NCIC, said:   

“One of the best things a pregnant woman can do to protect themselves and their baby is to have all of the vaccines offered to them, including RSV, Flu, Whooping Cough and COVID-19. Having the vaccinations protects women and also gives new born babies vital protection in the first few months of their lives, when they are at their most vulnerable.”   

Denise added: 

“We’re delighted to see so many women here today ready to be vaccinated. We know we have a busy week ahead vaccinating throughout the Trust. We know women are keen to protect their babies as much as they can and these vaccines really are the best way to do just that.”  

Claire Nicholl, was one of the pregnant women ready to be vaccinated today.

Claire said:

“I’m really keen to have the vaccines today, I actually contracted Whooping Cough during my pregnancy and felt really unwell. I have since had my vaccine against Whooping cough so my baby can be protected as much as possible. When I heard I could also get the RSV and Flu vaccine today, I knew I wanted to do so not only for the health of my baby but for me too”.   

All pregnant women will be invited to have their vaccines. Full details will be available from Community Midwives and Antenatal Clinics.