Thousands of premature babies across the UK will soon benefit from a new preventative injection to guard against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a winter illness that can lead to severe lung infections and, in some cases, prove fatal. While many newborns gain protection through their mother’s vaccination during pregnancy, infants born before 32 weeks often miss this crucial immunity and are left highly vulnerable.

From late September, the NHS will offer a single dose of the antibody treatment Nirsevimab to around 9,000 premature and high-risk babies. Unlike vaccines that take time to build resistance, this injection delivers immediate protection lasting up to six months – just in time for the colder season when RSV spreads more rapidly.

Though RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms such as coughs and runny noses, it can lead to complications like bronchiolitis and pneumonia in vulnerable children. Data from NHS England shows premature babies are three times more likely to be admitted to hospital due to RSV and ten times more likely to require intensive care than those born at full term.

Neonatal units across the UK will administer the injection, and families of babies with heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems will be guided by their care teams. NHS leaders hope this initiative will significantly reduce hospital admissions and protect the most fragile infants this winter.