Health Secretary has today announced the
rollout of a new vaccination programme to protect against a
common but potentially dangerous respiratory infection.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a very contagious virus,
which infects 9 out of 10 children before their second birthday.
More than a thousand babies in Wales are hospitalised every year
with RSV.
It can also lead to serious health complications for adults aged
over 75, resulting in around 125 deaths every year in Wales.
For most people RSV causes a mild respiratory illness with
cold-like symptoms. However, for babies under one year and
the elderly there is a significant risk of severe infection which
could result in hospitalisation.
The vaccination programme will see those aged 75-79 years and
pregnant women (from 28 weeks gestation) offered vaccination
against RSV for the first time, from September.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said:
“I am delighted to announce the introduction of an RSV vaccine in
Wales. Evidence shows that the vaccine is safe and
effective and vaccinating our mothers-to-be will help to prevent
our youngest babies becoming seriously ill from the virus from
birth.
This vaccine will also help us to keep older adults safe over the
winter months and I would encourage all those who are eligible to
come forward.”
Welcoming Cabinet Secretary's announcement Dr Christopher
Johnson, Head of Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public
Health Wales said:
“While RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild
symptoms, it can be serious for the more vulnerable.
"Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV,
which could require hospitalisation.
"This vaccination programme will be in place to protect
vulnerable groups now and in the future.
"The RSV vaccine has the potential to save 1000 young children
every year in Wales from hospitalisation and could save the lives
of over 125 older people each year.
"It is a game-changing new vaccination programme that will
protect thousands of our most vulnerable from getting ill in the
first place, or significantly reducing the likelihood of severe
infection, keeping people out of hospital and from needing to see
a GP, and enabling more people to benefit from NHS services.”
Notes to editors
Eligibility
- In 2024/25, adults aged between 75-79 will be eligible for an
RSV vaccination
- From 1 September 2025, only those turning 75 years will be
offered the vaccine.
- Pregnant women (from 28 weeks gestation) will be offered a
vaccination to protect their newborn baby.
- The programmes commence on 1 September 2024
- Older adults will be issued appointments via their GPs.
Pregnant women should speak to their midwife about how to access
the RSV vaccination.
Further information
