A perinatal vaccination programme in Dorset has won a national award from the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) after increasing vaccination uptake in pregnancy by more than 700%.

The Perinatal Vaccination Programme was won in the Excellence in Public Health category at the RCM Awards, held in London on Friday 6 February, following the delivery of 4,437 vaccines between September 2024 and April 2025 – compared with fewer than 500 during the same period the previous year.

The programme delivered vaccinations across the maternity pathway against pertussis, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). As a result, there was a reduction in bronchiolitis admissions for infants under six months, falling from 67 in 2023/24 to 20 in 2024/25. High dependency unit admissions also fell by a third, with no reported paediatric intensive care admissions.

Judges praised the programme’s collaboration, community delivery, data-led approach and clear, measurable impact for women and babies.

Gill Walton, Chief Executive of the RCM, said: “This programme shows the power of collaboration in improving public health outcomes. By designing a flexible, accessible model around women’s needs, the team has delivered a significant increase in vaccination uptake, benefiting mothers, babies and the wider health system. The team is a very worthy winner of this award.”

Lorraine Tonge, Director of Midwifery and Neonatal Services at University Hospitals Dorset: “We are so proud that the team have received this award in recognition of their dedication, commitment, and collaboration together. They have been successful in implementing a robust vaccination service for all pregnant women, across Dorset and overcome all barriers. Vaccination rates remain impressive and the teams have shown how working collaboratively can create superb results. Well done to everyone involved.”

The programme brings together NHS trusts, a vaccination provider and local partners to make it easier for pregnant women to get vaccinated. Vaccines are offered in both hospital and community settings, giving women more choice about where and when they receive them.

By improving access and convenience, the programme has helped prevent illness in newborn babies and reduce pressure on hospitals.

After new national guidance was published, local NHS trusts worked together to design and launch the programme. An experienced regional vaccination provider was commissioned to deliver the service, helping to set up booking systems and collect data to track how well the programme was working.

Midwives were closely involved throughout. They helped shape how the service worked in practice and made sure women’s needs were central to the design. Community vaccination hubs were set up in areas where uptake had previously been lower, with locations chosen for good transport links and easy access.

Demand for appointments was carefully planned using routine scan data, ensuring there were enough vaccination slots available. Clinics were timed to run alongside scan appointments, making it easier for women to book ahead or receive a vaccine during a hospital visit. Follow-up calls were offered to women who missed appointments.

Clear, consistent public messages were shared through social media, radio and local websites to explain the benefits of vaccination in pregnancy. With permission, women’s experiences were also shared to help reassure others.

Planning is already underway for the 2025–26 winter programme, with a focus on reaching communities where uptake has historically been lower and building on the success of this year’s delivery.

The prestigious RCM Awards are held annually and honour outstanding individuals in maternity care who have made a positive impact on women, babies and their families, showcasing world-class midwifery standards.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• To contact the RCM Media Office call 020 7312 3456, or email media@rcm.org.uk
• The Royal College of Midwives (RCM) is the only trade union and professional association dedicated to serving midwifery and the whole midwifery team. We provide workplace advice and support, professional and clinical guidance, and information, and learning opportunities with our broad range of events, conferences, and online resources. For more information visit the RCM | A professional organisation and trade union dedicated to serving the whole midwifery team