National RSV vaccination programme announced
UK becomes first country with national programme using the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and infects some 90% of all children within their first two years of life. Usually, it causes mild, cold-like symptoms but it can lead to more serious lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalisation and – in the most severe cases – to intensive care. Globally, RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality.
Photo by Mufid Majnun
In the UK, each year some 30,000 children under five are hospitalised due to RSV and, tragically, it leads to between 20 and 30 infant deaths. RSV is also the cause of some 9,000 hospital admissions for those aged 75 and over. The new vaccination programme aims to mitigate these risks, enhance public health and free up thousands of hospital beds across the NHS.
In England, rollout of vaccinations will begin from September 1, targeting those groups identified as being most at risk from RSV – as identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. Women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant will be eligible for the vaccine to protect their babies; they can ask their maternity service or GP surgery for more information. Those aged between 75 and 79 will also be invited to receive a vaccination at their local GP surgery. Invitations will continue to be sent out after this date to those who turn 75.
Scotland will begin its out RSV vaccination scheme on August 12, with Wales and Northern Ireland launching programmes in September.
Andrew Gwynne MP, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, says: ‘As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand. I am thrilled to see the UK leading in the way in tackling this devastating disease. My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care, and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through. Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter.’
Steve Russell, National Director for Vaccinations and Screening at the NHS, adds: ‘RSV is a very serious illness, infecting up to 90% of children by the age of two and causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter – so this rollout is a huge step forward and will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk. We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September and for women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected.’
Professor Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UKHSA, says: ‘This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS. UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV immunisation programme and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health. Having successfully procured an effective vaccine and designed a programme to protect both babies and older people, we are already working rapidly with our NHS and Local Authority colleagues to be ready to provide vaccinations from September – please do come forward if you are eligible.’
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