What changed
Welsh health officials are urging pregnant women from 28 weeks and adults aged 75 and over to receive an RSV vaccine before winter. The appeal comes alongside Jo Goldsmith’s account of her daughter Phoebe developing RSV-positive bronchiolitis at five days old and needing high-dependency care.
Why it matters
RSV is often a mild winter infection, but it can become dangerous for newborn babies and older adults. In Wales, it is linked each year to thousands of GP appointments and hospital admissions, including an estimated 400 to 600 deaths among people over 75.
Phoebe survived, but her illness did not end when the family left hospital. She was later admitted several times with chest problems, and her hearing was affected. Goldsmith, a children’s nurse and health visitor, said doctors prepared the family for the possibility that Phoebe might not make it through Christmas.
The vaccination programme has been available in Wales since September 2024. Pregnant women are offered the vaccine during every pregnancy because vaccination from 28 weeks helps protect newborn babies; adults aged 75 and over need one routine vaccination.
The practical step is simple: eligible people should check their vaccination arrangements with a healthcare professional before winter. The number who will take up the offer, and how much illness vaccination will prevent this season, remain uncertain.
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