RSV Vaccine
NHS rolls out first ever RSV vaccine to protect those at risk from severe respiratory illness
The NHS has started vaccinating people against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a leading cause of infant mortality around the world, is a common cause of coughs and colds but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.
In preparation for winter, locally the NHS has begun vaccinating pregnant women and older adults, including those who turn 75 on or after 1 September.
There will also be a one-off 'catch-up' program for individuals aged 75 to 79 to ensure the older age group are protected as the colder months approach.
Dr Imran Qureshi, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Frimley, said: "After months of preparation from our hardworking staff, for the first time ever we are now offering the RSV vaccine to those at greatest risk - helping to protect the lives of those most vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.
“Many people are still unaware of the virus, which can sometimes lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. The vaccine can reduce the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months of life.
“Receiving the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against RSV. The vaccine enhances your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, which then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from birth.
“All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1st September will be offered the vaccine by their community midwife during their routine 31-week appointment. If you haven’t discussed the vaccine at your 28-week antenatal appointment, talk to your midwife.
“Older adults aged 75 to 79 should take up the offer when they are invited by their GP surgery”.
The RSV vaccination is available all year-round but as cases peak every winter around December, it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible when invited.
RSV cases in children have been increasing in the past couple of years, with an average of 146 young children in hospital each day at the peak in winter last year (w/e 3 December 2023), up 11% on the peak observed during the previous winter (132) from the same time in late November.
In addition to RSV, the NHS is also rolling out vaccination programs for flu and COVID-19, focusing on those at greatest risk ahead of winter. Flu vaccinations will be offered to pregnant women and most children from this month, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines available to other eligible groups starting October 3.
Posted by Frimley Health and Care on