No 38 - 2025

Free RSV vaccination for pregnant women from October 1, 2025

• Free RSV vaccination for pregnant women with the Abrysvo^® vaccine from October 1, 2025

• Vaccination is recommended in week 32 of the pregnancy, at the third pregnancy examination with the general practitioner

• An interval of at least two weeks is recommended between pertussis vaccination and RSV vaccination.

From October 1, 2025, pregnant women will be offered free vaccination against RS virus (RSV). The purpose of this is to protect the newborn child against RSV during the first months of life, when the risk of severe illness is greatest.

Vaccination is recommended in connection with the third pregnancy examination at week 32 of pregnancy.

Pregnant women carrying twin or higher multiples and other pregnant women at risk of preterm birth may be offered vaccination earlier than at the third pregnancy examination, but not before 24 completed weeks of pregnancy, as this is the earliest point at which the vaccine is approved.

In the autumn of 2025, a catch-up program will be introduced for pregnant women who have already passed week 32 of pregnancy when the program takes effect. This will include women up to and including week 36 of pregnancy.

Why vaccination against RSV?

RS virus is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections during the autumn and winter season. Infants in particular can become seriously ill and, in some cases, require hospitalization.

When the mother is vaccinated during pregnancy, antibodies are transferred to the baby through the placenta. This provides the baby with effective protection in the months after birth. Studies show that vaccination reduces the risk of severe lower respiratory tract infection by about 70 % in the first six months of life.

Vaccine uptake will be continuously monitored and reported by the Statens Serum Institut.

Simultaneous vaccination with pertussis vaccine

There should be at least two weeks between vaccinations against pertussis (whooping cough) and RSV. This is because the immune response to the pertussis component has been found to be lower when the two vaccines are administered together compared with separate administration. However, the clinical relevance of this finding remains unresolved. The risk of side effects is the same regardless of whether the vaccines are given simultaneously or separately.

Side effects and monitoring

The most common side effects are pain at the injection site, fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, and headache.

There is a strengthened reporting requirement for Abrysvo^®. Doctors must therefore report all suspected side effects, and serious side effects must be reported no later than 15 days after suspicion via www.meldenbivirkning.dk.

Ordering RSV vaccine for the program

The vaccine to be used in the program is called Abrysvo^®. The vaccine must be ordered through the SSI Webshop, and ordering is expected to open from Friday, September 19, 2025.

In the webshop, there will be two Abrysvo^® vaccines available: one for the program and one for self-payment. It is very important to select Abrysvo^® 10x1 ds PROGRAM, as this is supplied free of charge.

If ordered incorrectly, SSI unfortunately cannot provide a credit or accept the vaccine for return.

Delivery

SSI expects to have the vaccine in stock by the end of week 39, and delivery can therefore only take place from week 40. This means that it cannot be guaranteed that all who order will be able to receive the vaccine in time for the program’s start on October 1. SSI therefore recommends that this be taken into account when booking vaccination appointments.

In addition, SSI will only have a limited number of vaccines available. We therefore encourage ordering only the amount considered necessary.

Services in connection with the program

Two service codes have been created for use in RSV vaccination of pregnant women:

If the vaccination is given in connection with the third pregnancy examination, use service code 8804.

If the vaccination is not given in connection with a pregnancy examination, use instead the additional service code 8901.

(L. Hallundbæk, P.H. Andersen, B. Søborg, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Prevention; B. Neale, Supply Chain Department)