The NHS is urging around 1.3 million older people who have not
yet had the respiratory syncytial virus
(RSV) vaccine to get jabbed, as health service chiefs warn it is
“not just a winter illness”.
Invites are being sent this week to people not yet vaccinated
against RSV who are aged 75-79 or turned 80 after 1 September
2024, encouraging them to book an appointment with their GP.
RSV spreads all year round and affects the airways and lungs, and
for older adults can lead to severe lung infections like
pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions.
On 1st September, the NHS started vaccinating people
against RSV for the first time in its history and staff across
the country have been working hard since then to reach as many
eligible people as possible – with nearly 1.5 million getting the
vaccine, including more than 1.3 million aged 75-80.
The vaccine will reduce the risk of severe symptoms and only one
dose is needed.
A study in the
Lancet found the first season of vaccination could
prevent up to 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and
60,000 RSV illnesses in older adults.
Pregnant women are also eligible for the vaccine from 28 weeks
onwards, as RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality, with
nearly 150,000 women being vaccinated since September. Women can
speak to their maternity service or GP practice.
The NHS has also delivered 18.4 million flu vaccinations this
winter, and 9.8 million COVID jabs.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and
Screening, said:
“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.”
Minister for Public Health and Prevention, , said:
“This safe, effective and free vaccine is already protecting more
than a million people, including newborn babies from day one,
from this potentially deadly disease.
“I know first-hand how dangerous this virus can be and I urge
people not to risk it. Please take up the offer as soon as you
can to protect yourself and your loved ones.”
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist, UKHSA,
said:
“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.”
More information on RSV symptoms and vaccination is available on
the NHS website.
