Before having twin boys, Carine mum Sophie Cormack had never heard of RSV, and is urging expectant mothers to get involved in a world-first vaccine study.
RSV is a serious respiratory virus that infected the lungs and airways of Ms Cormack’s sons Jack and Will, causing them to be hospitalised multiple times.
“They’re struggling to breathe and it’s just horrible,” she said.
At the moment there is no immunisation against RSV, but the Telethon Kids Institute is helping develop a world-first vaccine to protect babies from the virus while still in the womb.
“(The vaccine) lasts for the first three to six months of their lives, so it protects them in that vulnerable period when they’re most likely to get admitted to hospital and most likely to get sick,” Telethon Kids Institute’s Professor Peter Richmond said.
The vaccine is still being trialled but researchers say the results have been positive so far.
It is hoped the injection will become routine and affordable during pregnancy, similar to the flu and whopping cough vaccines.
But first, the Institute needs the help of expectant mothers.
Now in it’s third year, the study is recruiting women aged from 18 to 40 years old, and who are due to give birth between the middle of May and end of June.
“Just do it, get the vaccine,” Ms Cormack said.
“I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone what these boys have been through.”