Eligible people in England will soon be able to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time through the NHS.
Health authorities today announced plans to offer the new RSV vaccine to people aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant from September, in a bid to protect young children.
A recent analysis found that offering the shot to these groups could prevent 5,000 hospitalizations per season and up to 15,000 emergency room visits in infants.
According to the same estimates, the vaccination rollout could also save 20,000 GP appointments and prevent 200 babies from needing intensive care this winter.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Although it is a mild illness for most healthy people, it can be dangerous for the elderly and very young children.
Health leaders today outlined plans to offer the new RSV jab to people aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant, in a bid to protect young children, from September
It can lead to serious infections and respiratory problems such as pneumonia, and is responsible for 20 to 30 deaths in children each year in the UK.
The NHS’s plans for the rollout form part of its winter vaccination plans, which also include Covid and flu vaccinations.
As in previous years, people from vulnerable groups and the staff who care for them are also eligible for these vaccines.
People can get their flu shot and the Covid shot on the same day. However, people who are also eligible for the RSV vaccine should wait at least a day between shots to maximize its effectiveness.
While preventing serious RSV infections, and therefore hospital admissions, is a benefit in itself, health officials also hope the vaccinations will reduce the pressure on NHS services overall over the winter.
People eligible for the RSV shot are expected to be invited through their GP or, in the case of healthcare workers, through their workplace.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director of Vaccinations and Screening, said: ‘This year, for the first time, we are also offering the RSV vaccine to older people and pregnant women, giving those most at risk vital protection against this dangerous virus.’
‘These viruses send thousands of people into hospital every year. Vaccinations will help keep more people healthy during the winter months, when we expect the NHS to be under huge pressure again. So if you are invited, please come forward as soon as possible.’
Health and Prevention Secretary Andrew Gwynne added: ‘For the first time this year, we are offering RSV vaccinations alongside Covid and flu vaccines, supporting our most vulnerable people and protecting our NHS this winter.’
The decision to offer the RSV jab through the NHS comes around a year after the government’s vaccine advisory group recommended it.
This led to concerns earlier this year that health officials were running out of time to purchase the vaccine.
