Maternal RSV Vaccination Rates Vary Widely Worldwide
A global review found major differences between countries in how many pregnant people receive the RSV vaccine. The shot lowers the risk of severe infant disease by 74%, but coverage reached 62% in Scotland and only about 27% in the United States during the periods examined. Uptake was lower among some socioeconomic and ethnic groups, people with less health care access, and younger mothers, pointing to a need for targeted outreach and better supply systems.
A review spanning 16 studies and over four million pregnancies from 2023 to 2025 compared maternal RSV vaccine programs. More than 30 nations have adopted the shot, either alone or with infant immunization. Scotland reached 62% coverage in October 2025; England hit 58% in August 2025, while the U.S. was about 27% in the vaccine's first year.
The vaccine cut RSV hospitalization risk for infants under six months by roughly 74%. Population data from over 16,000 pregnancies found no sign of higher preterm birth risk when given at 32–35 weeks. Protection is strongest when vaccination occurs at least two weeks before delivery.
Wider uptake of maternal RSV vaccination could reduce severe infant illness and hospitalizations, easing pressure on families and health services. Because coverage appears lower among younger mothers, some ethnic and socioeconomic groups, and people with less health care access, uneven protection may persist unless outreach and supply systems improve. How quickly countries close these gaps could shape near-term infant health equity and the success of future maternal immunization programs.