NHS England appeals for 1.3 million eligible people to come forward for a new jab against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which can lead to serious complications
Elderly people are being warned to get vaccinated against an infection that causes the common cold.
NHS England has appealed for 1.3 million eligible people to come forward for a new jab against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which can lead to serious complications in some. It is sending invites out to this group aged 75 to 80 warning that RSV poses a threat all year round.
RSV causes a common cold in most people affecting the airways and lungs. However for older adults can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia.
Steve Russell, NHS England director for 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. 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.”
This summer the NHS started vaccinating people against RSV for the first time and 1.5 million have had the vaccine, including 1.3 million people aged 75 to 80. NHS England says the vaccine will reduce the risk of severe symptoms and only one dose is needed. A study in the Lancet found it could prevent up to 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 RSV illnesses in older adults over winter.
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.
RSV infections are very common and almost all children get them at least once before they are two years old. The NHS states that these infections are not usually serious but some babies and older adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. In particular:
- babies under 6 months old
- young children who were born prematurely
- adults over 75 years
- babies, children and adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions
- people who smoke tobacco and babies exposed to tobacco smoke
In babies RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis which can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
NHS 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. Pregnant women can speak to their maternity service or GP practice to get vaccinated against RSV.
