Thousands of Britons over the age of 75 could be saved every year by a new vaccine developed to combat the deadly virus – and it’s available now

A new vaccine that fights a respiratory infection could save the lives of thousands of elderly people in the UK every year, a study has found.

According to the researchers, it could also free up thousands of GP appointments and hospital beds.

The research by scientists from the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research follows the rollout last month of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination on the NHS. The jab is being given to people aged 75 and over, as well as pregnant women.

RSV usually causes cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, but infants and the elderly are at risk for serious infection.

The study, published in Age & Ageing, found that evidence suggests a 70 percent vaccination rate among older adults could prevent up to 2,800 deaths per year.

A new vaccine that wards off RSV could save the lives of thousands of elderly people in the UK every year, a study has found.

The virus usually spreads through coughing and sneezing, close contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces

It could also save 36,000 GP consultations and 1,000 intensive care admissions.

The study found that the vaccines were 86 percent effective in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections in the first year after vaccination.

However, the authors warn of a culture of ‘vaccine fatigue’ and ‘vaccination hesitancy’, which could have consequences for the number of older people who get vaccinated.

Professor Roy Soiza, who led the research, said: ‘The NHS is under enormous pressure, so efforts to reduce the burden of infectious diseases such as RSV infection are highly desirable.

‘Our research has shown that the vaccines are safe and effective. We urge healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those who want to be vaccinated to take this opportunity.

‘There are indications that the prevention of RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections is approximately 86 percent effective in the first year after vaccination.

‘Studies have been done in people aged 60 and over, including those with underlying medical conditions, but the number of volunteers aged 80 and over was too small to say with certainty the extent to which the research provided benefits.

‘Yet during the Covid pandemic we saw that the effectiveness of vaccines in trials of younger and healthier people was reproduced in people who were much more vulnerable and older.

‘We therefore urge everyone involved in caring for older people to encourage those who are eligible and have been invited to take the new vaccine to take it.’

Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at Public Health Scotland, said: “The recent launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another important step forward in protecting the health of the population.

‘RSV can be very serious for people who are more vulnerable, such as the elderly. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of people aged 75 and over being admitted to hospital due to RSV.

In young children and older adults, RSV can cause breathing problems and even severe lung infections that mimic pneumonia.

‘Therefore, we ask everyone who is eligible for the RSV vaccine to take advantage of the offer to protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.’

Antonia Ho, professor of infectious diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, who worked on the study, said: ‘The availability of the first effective RSV vaccines in the UK is truly exciting.

‘Together with existing flu and COVID-19 vaccines, this can protect vulnerable groups from serious lung infections and reduce the huge pressure on the NHS during the winter months.

‘The vaccination campaign for 76 to 79 year olds will end on September 30, 2024. I would like to urge those who are eligible to attend their vaccination appointment.’