Report shows fewer older people
hospitalised.
Health Secretary has welcomed a report showing
the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine has led to a
significant decrease in hospitalisations among older people.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) research, published in The
Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, demonstrates that
vaccination resulted in a 62% reduction in RSV-related
hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.
The Scottish Government invested £4.2 million via health boards
in the vaccine supply. The programme began last August following
expert scientific advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination
and Immunisation (JCVI).
Mr Gray said:
“Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play
in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.
“We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce
the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more
vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how
many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.
“RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants –
potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.
“It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68%
of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I'd
urge all those eligible to come forward for their
vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults
and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”
Background
RSV vaccine during
pregnancy | NHS inform
RSV vaccine for
adults | NHS inform
The RSV programme was in addition to winter vaccines offered,
such as flu, Covid-19 and pneumococcal.
