The Danish government is accelerating the introduction of free respiratory syncytial (RS) virus vaccination for pregnant women, moving the launch from spring 2026 to autumn 2025. The Ministry of the Interior and Health announced the change in a press release, anticipating the program will be effective around October 1.

The decision to move the vaccination program forward is in response to recommendations from the Danish Health Authority. The agency believes that vaccinating pregnant women can prevent a significant number of serious illnesses and hospitalizations in young children.

Pregnant women will be offered the RS virus vaccine during their routine check-up with their doctor in the 32nd week of pregnancy, and vaccination is possible up to and including the 36th week.

The government had initially proposed allocating DKK 35.9 million in 2026 and DKK 40.2 million from 2027 onwards for the vaccination program. Bringing the program forward to 2025 is expected to cost an additional DKK 18.9 million.

Over the past decade, an average of 1,300 children under one year old have been hospitalized annually due to RS virus infection, with approximately one-third requiring intensive care.

Minister for the Interior and Health Sophie Løhde expressed hope that the accelerated vaccination program will help prevent hospitalizations during the upcoming winter, when RS virus infections are particularly prevalent among children.

The Danish Health Authority also recommends that pregnant women receive vaccinations against COVID-19, influenza, and whooping cough.