The BaBi Network is launching two linked workstreams to understand how babies can be best protected from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in early life, and how protection during pregnancy can reduce serious illness and health inequalities.
Together, these studies combine large scale health data with detailed immunology to generate evidence that can improve care for babies across the UK.
BaBi RSV Protect is a Network wide data linkage study. It uses routinely collected health data to understand who receives the RSV vaccine during pregnancy, when vaccination occurs, and how well maternal vaccination reduces infant hospital admissions with RSV in the first year of life. A key focus is on babies at higher risk, including those born prematurely and those living in more disadvantaged communities.
BaBi RSV Immune is an in depth immunological study running in selected BaBi sites. It examines how the RSV vaccine given during pregnancy leads to antibodies being passed from mother to baby, how long vaccine derived protection lasts after birth, and how vaccination timing and prematurity affect infant immune protection.
RSV is the leading cause of infant hospital admission in the UK. Babies born prematurely and those from more disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to become seriously unwell. Although vaccination during pregnancy offers strong protection, important real world questions remain about uptake, optimal timing, and protection in high risk groups.
Born in Bradford and the Born and Bred in (BaBi) Network bring together diverse communities and securely linked health records, creating a unique opportunity to answer these questions using real world evidence.
These studies will provide evidence to improve RSV vaccination programmes, reduce avoidable hospital admissions, and address health inequalities. If you would like to find out more or get involved, please speak to your local BaBi research team.