KIDSVaccinating in pregnancy protects babies from RSV
Is this true? Make your call, then see what the science says.
Short answer: Yes. The evidence supports this.
The RSV vaccine given in pregnancy lowers the risk of severe RSV illness in young babies. Large trials found around 70% protection against severe illness in the first 6 months. The protection depends on the right vaccine and on timing.
AI-generated summary of the research cited · not reviewed by a medical professional · checked 13 October 2026 · How we checkWhat the research found
A large phase 3 trial of the vaccine used in Australia (RSVpreF) randomised 7,420 pregnant participants to vaccine or placebo. Final results in 2025 showed 82.4% protection against severe RSV lower respiratory illness within 90 days of birth, and 70.0% within 180 days. An earlier 2023 report of the same trial found 6 severe cases in vaccine-group infants versus 33 in the placebo group within 90 days.
A 2025 meta-analysis of six trials (17,212 participants) found babies of vaccinated mothers had a 49% lower risk of RSV lower respiratory illness within 180 days. It found no clear difference in preterm birth and no increase in serious adverse events.
Australian immunisation guidance says maternal vaccination cuts the risk of severe RSV in babies under 6 months by around 70%. Antibodies pass through the placenta to the baby. The vaccine is recommended from 28 weeks of pregnancy and is free under the National Immunisation Program.
What it doesn’t mean
- This applies to the vaccine approved for pregnancy in Australia. A different RSV vaccine candidate was tested in a 2024 trial, and enrolment stopped early after a higher rate of preterm birth in the vaccine group. That candidate is not the one used here.
- Protection is not complete, and it takes time. Babies may not be protected if born less than 2 weeks after the mother's vaccination. In that case, a long-acting RSV antibody for the baby is recommended.
- Talk to your GP, midwife or child health nurse about timing, and about your baby's options if you were not vaccinated or the baby has extra risk factors.
Sources
General information only, not medical advice. KIDS fact-checks are generated by AI from published research and are not reviewed by doctors or other health professionals. They can be wrong or out of date. Always talk to your GP or child’s doctor about your child, and call 000 in an emergency. Spotted a problem? Tell us.
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