Almost seven thousand babies across Dorset have been given protection against serious illnesses thanks to a new vaccination service for pregnant patients.
University Hospitals Dorset, Dorset County Hospital and Dorset HealthCare joined forces last year to launch the perinatal vaccination service. The scheme protects both parent and baby from conditions such as whooping cough, RSV and complications linked to flu by transferring antibodies during pregnancy.
Since September last year, midwives have delivered more than 6,800 perinatal vaccinations at clinics held in different locations around the county. By linking vaccine appointments to maternity scans and offering clinics closer to smaller communities, the service has made it easier for families to access vital protection.
Suzanne Charles, Clinical Sites Matron for the Integrated Vaccination Service, said: “We’ve seen a sharp rise in uptake of perinatal vaccinations in Dorset, providing many more newborns with protection.”
She added that the achievement was made possible by staff across all three trusts, with midwives, admin teams, pharmacists and digital specialists all playing a role in building and running the clinics.
The three trusts say their joint approach has created a flexible, year-round service tailored to the needs of parents-to-be, ensuring many more babies start life protected against preventable illnesses.
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