NHS warns serious virus 'rampant in Australia' is coming to UK as cases surge
Britain should prepare for a spike in a potentially dangerous virus after Australia recorded unprecedented case numbers, health experts have warned.
NHS bosses said that Australia's winter season often serves as a reliable indicator of how viruses will behave in England.
Following a dramatic rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections across Australia, officials have confirmed that case numbers have been climbing steadily in England since early 2025.
NHS England has called on expectant mothers to receive the RSV jab to shield their newborn infants from the illness.
Health chiefs said the virus ranks as a top killer of babies and represents the primary reason children end up in hospital.
Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: "While for most adults RSV only causes mild, cold-like symptoms, for older adults and young children it can lead to serious breathing problems that can end up in hospitalisation.
"Getting vaccinated while pregnant is the best way to protect your baby from the moment they are born, and now is the time for mums to act, to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, when there tends to be more bugs circulating."
Expectant mothers can receive the vaccination from 28 weeks into their pregnancy via maternity services or their local GP practice.
Adults aged between 75 and 79 also qualify for the injection, with NHS England set to begin sending out invitations over the coming weeks. RSV is a frequent culprit behind coughs and colds.
However, certain individuals, such as infants and those over 75, are at a heightened risk of severe illness from the virus.
In babies, RSV often leads to a chest infection known as bronchiolitis.
The UK Health Security Agency recently released data demonstrating the vaccine's effectiveness.
According to their findings, the jab for expectant mothers can prevent 72% of hospital admissions for their newborns.
Furthermore, the vaccine is 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions due to RSV among the elderly, as per the UKHSA.
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