Warning to Brits to brace for winter surge of serious respiratory virus after record cases in Australia
Medics Down Under have been swamped with cases of RSV, which is a leading cause of death among babies and the main cause of hospital admissions for children.
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NHS England is urging pregnant women to get vaccinated against RSV to help shield their newborns.
The virus is a major cause of infant deaths and the top reason young children are admitted to hospital.
Pregnant women can receive the jab from 28 weeks onwards via their maternity care team or GP.
Adults aged 75 to 79 are also eligible, with NHS England set to begin sending out invitations in the coming weeks.
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."
The UK Health Security Agency last week released data on the vaccine's effectiveness.
It found that the jab can prevent 72% of RSV-related hospital admissions in babies when given during pregnancy.
It also found the vaccine 82% effective at reducing hospitalisations among older adults.
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