OLDER people and pregnant women are being offered a vaccine by the NHS to protect against a respiratory virus that can cause serious complications.
From September, everyone aged 75 and over will be eligible for one dose of Pfizer’s Abrysvo vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on that date are also invited for an injection to protect themselves and their babies.
The NHS in England is being urged to vaccinate as many people as possible in September and October before winter sets in and RSV circulates more widely.
From now on, all women are eligible for a shot as soon as they are 28 weeks pregnant.
In Scotland, the programs will run from August, with Northern Ireland and Wales expected to follow.
RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.
In healthy adults and older children, it typically causes cold symptoms.
However, infants are at risk of serious infection with RSV and may require hospitalization, especially in the winter months.
Similarly, premature babies, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system are at greater risk.
The new NHS vaccine programs in England are expected to be delivered through GP practices and pharmacies.
A one-off catch-up campaign will also be launched for 75 to 79 year olds, with the aim of vaccinating as many people as possible by the end of August 2025.
Dr. Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We encourage anyone who has been offered an RSV vaccine to do so once the vaccination program begins in September.
“RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
“The vaccine will help prevent older adults and small babies from developing more serious complications from the virus, while helping to reduce pressure on NHS services during the busy winter months.”
The new programs follow guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which advises the UK government on vaccinations.
An NHS spokesperson added: “The NHS will be pulling out all the stops to ensure people have protection against this nasty virus before winter, with GPs preparing to offer this new vaccine to vulnerable groups as soon as possible , so please come forward when you are invited.”
Symptoms of RSV
PEOPLE usually show symptoms of the virus four to six days after being infected.
Signs include:
- Running nose
- Reduction of appetite
- Cough
- To sneeze
- Fever
- Wheezing
But in very young babies, symptoms can be much more subtle, including irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
Most children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
It can cause bronchiolitis in babies and young children.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis in very young children include:
- Refusal to breast or bottle feed
- Faster and noisier breathing (wheezing)
- Seems very tired, upset, or inactive
- Signs of dehydration – no tears when crying, little or no urine in the diaper for six hours and cool, dry skin
Source: CDC, Asthma + Lung UK
The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said RSV is so common that most children are infected with it by their second birthday.
It says the RSV epidemic reaches its peak in December and is responsible for around 33,000 NHS hospital admissions of children under five and between 20 and 30 deaths of young children each year.
‘Just in the nick of time’
Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK said: “We are so pleased with the rollout of this vaccine, which is coming just in the nick of time.
“RSV admits more than 33,000 children under the age of 5 to hospital every year, putting enormous pressure on the NHS.
“Asthma + Lung UK has long called for vaccines to be made available to those most at risk.
“Time is ticking and it is crucial that vaccines are rolled out quickly to protect vulnerable lungs before winter.
“We are ready to work with the next government and the NHS to raise awareness of the risks of RSV and the benefits of vaccination.”
This newly announced program has the potential to transform pediatric healthcare during the winter months by reducing hospitalizations and could even save young lives
Dr. Mike McKean
Dr. Mike McKean, from the RCPCH, added: “We are pleased that the call from thousands of paediatricians and healthcare professionals for a much-needed RSV program has been heard.
“Campaigning for an RSV vaccine has been a key issue for the council for many years and today’s announcement represents a huge step forward for child health and the pediatric workforce in England and Scotland.
“This recently announced program has the potential to transform children’s health care during the winter months by reducing hospitalizations and could even save young lives.
“An annual reduction in the number of RSV cases would allow us to focus on the many other children and young people who require emergency care during the winter months.
“Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting children’s health, but we are seeing a worrying decline in their use across many routine childhood immunizations.
“As pediatricians, we want to remain committed to using vaccinations to win the battle against these dangerous and preventable infections.”