The Danish Health Authority now recommends that pregnant women be offered vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) to protect their infants. This recommendation has been forwarded to the Ministry of the Interior and Health for consideration.

The aim of the vaccination program is to prevent a significant number of serious RSV cases and hospitalizations among young children. The expectation is that vaccinating pregnant women will provide protection to their babies through the transfer of antibodies in the womb, safeguarding them during their first months of life.

RSV is a common cold virus that typically circulates during the autumn and winter months. Infants under six months old are particularly vulnerable to severe illness if infected. Data from the past decade indicates that around 1,300 children under the age of one are hospitalized annually due to RSV infections, with approximately one-third of these children requiring intensive care.

The Danish Health Authority suggests that the vaccination be integrated into existing health services for pregnant women. They propose that family doctors offer the vaccine to pregnant women around week 32 of their pregnancy.

Kirstine Moll Harboe, Head of Division, emphasized the importance of integrating the vaccination offer seamlessly into routine pregnancy check-ups at the general practitioner’s office to maximize acceptance and protect as many infants as possible.