Background 

RSV infection is the leading cause of infant hospitalisations worldwide. Infants under 6 months of age are at high risk of severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Globally, approximately 50,000 RSV-attributable deaths occur each year in infants under 6 months of age. Maternal immunisation offers an effective strategy to reduce infant disease severity in this population. As of September 1st, 2024, updated guidelines in the United Kingdom advise that all pregnant women from 28 weeks' gestationshould receive the RSV vaccine. However, due to the recent nature of this policy change, awareness remains limited amongst many expectant mothers and clinicians.Pregnant women are therefore at risk of not receiving the vaccine. Due to the updated guidance and the seasonal peak of RSV activity during the winter months, it is essential to increase public awareness and promote timely vaccination uptake

 

Aim 

To increase RSV vaccine uptake in eligible pregnant women registered at a South London GP practice by 10% within four months.

 

Method 

An Egton Medical Information Systems (EMIS) search was run to identify selected participants within the GP practice who were pregnant and eligible for the RSV vaccine but had not received it. This revealed a cohort of 150 patients. Three Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles weresubsequently conducted between October 2024 and January 2025:

 i) a text-message reminder,

ii) posters displayed in the practice, 

iii) telephone calls to patients.

 

Throughout the PDSA cycles, data on the number of patients vaccinated was documented. 

Patient confidentiality and autonomy were carefully considered, and the security of patient information was maintained throughout the project.

Results