Those aged 75 and over are being invited to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus, which health service chief warns is ‘not just a winter illness’
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) affects the lungs and airways, and is a common cause of coughs and colds. People usually recover from RSV infections fairly quickly – but they can be serious for babies and older adults. In the latter, they can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.
Photo by Ed Us
Until recently, the NHS did not offer vaccination for RSV. However, the medical journal the Lancet concluded that such a vaccination could prevent up to 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 RSV illnesses in older adults – all in just the first season it was rolled out. Just a single dose of vaccine is needed to reduce the risk of severe symptoms from RSV.
So, on September 1 last year, the NHS started vaccinating people against RSV for the very first time. Staff across the country have been working to reach as many eligible people as possible. Since then, nearly 1.5m people have received the vaccine, more than 1.3m of the aged 75-80.
Now, invitations are being sent out to eligible people aged 75+ who have not yet been vaccinated against RSV.
RSV is also a leading cause of infant mortality and expectant mothers are eligible for the vaccine, from 28 weeks onwards. Some 150,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated since September and those interested in receiving a vaccination are advised to speak to their maternity service or GP practice.
The rollout of RSV vaccinations is in addition to the 18.4m flu and 9.8m COVID-19 jabs delivered by the NHS this winter.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, says: ‘RSV is not just a winter illness. We see cases increase in winter but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated – which is why are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment.
‘Vaccines for RSV, COVID-19 and flu protect you against different respiratory infections so it’s important you have each vaccine when you are offered them. I would encourage everyone we contact in the coming days, or anyone who has previously been invited but hasn’t yet taken up the offer, to get the RSV vaccine as soon as possible by contacting your GP. It could prevent you developing a severe illness like pneumonia and even save your life.’
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, adds: ‘RSV can be severe in older people, causing serious lung infections like pneumonia and flare-ups of existing conditions. If you’re eligible, there is good evidence it will help give you protection – speak with your GP practice about getting the jab.’
In related news:
Study pinpoints when we struggle with our mental health most
Women with endometriosis shouldn’t fear their career, yet here we are…