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Pembrokeshire mother urges pregnant women to get RSV vaccine after newborn daughter fell critically ill
Überblick
Jo Goldsmith, a children's nurse and health visitor from Pembrokeshire, is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) after her newborn daughter Phoebe contracted the illness and was admitted to a high dependency unit. Although the vaccine was not available during her pregnancy, Goldsmith emphasizes the importance of vaccination to protect babies from severe illness. Public health officials in Wales are also reminding eligible individuals to receive their RSV, flu, and Covid-19 vaccines ahead of winter.
Wichtige Punkte
- Jo Goldsmith's daughter Phoebe contracted RSV-positive bronchiolitis when she was five days old.
- The family was told to prepare for the worst after Phoebe deteriorated and was moved to a high dependency unit on Christmas Eve.
- Although Phoebe survived, she experienced longer-term issues including recurring chest problems and hearing complications.
- The RSV vaccine is routinely offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect newborns, and to adults aged 75 and over, with extensions for higher-risk adults aged 65 to 74.
- Welsh health officials are urging all eligible people to come forward for their RSV, flu, and Covid-19 vaccines ahead of the winter months.