Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what criteria he plans to use to evaluate the respiratory syncytial virus immunisation method to protect infants in the June 2025 review.

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) antenatal maternal vaccination programme for infant protection began in England on 1 September 2024. The first uptake data will be published on 30 January 2025.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) undertakes evaluations of national immunisation programmes, and will be evaluating the impact and effectiveness of the RSV maternal vaccination programme for infant protection once sufficient data is available. Immunisation programme effectiveness against hospital admissions is typically assessed using the test-negative case-control method.

To raise awareness of the potential vaccination benefits and increase awareness of the programmes amongst health professionals, parents, carers, and the wider public, the UKHSA provides a comprehensive suite of public facing resources and assets. This includes information leaflets in multiple languages and accessible formats, like easy read, British Sign Language, and braille. The UKHSA also provides comprehensive clinical guidance, including e-learning programmes and training for healthcare professionals.