The rollout of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination has begun among pregnant women and older adults this week.
The programme, which was announced earlier this summer, will offer vaccination to women at any point from 28 weeks into their pregnancy, all year round.
It will also include a one-off ‘catch-up’ offer for those aged 75-79 to ensure the older age group are protected in the winter months. After this year, all adults turning 75 will be offered a single dose of the vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.
RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality across the world and is a common cause of coughs and colds. It can also lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which can be dangerous for young children and older people.
Cases among children have been increasing over the past couple of years, with an average of 146 young people in hospital each day at the peak in winter 2023. This was up 11% on the peak in the previous winter, according to NHS England.
Research has found that women who have been vaccinated against RSV found that it reduced the risk of severe lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of their baby’s life.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: ‘After months of preparation from our hardworking staff, for the first time ever we are now offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk – helping to protect the lives of those vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.
‘Getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself and those around you – and while RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered by the NHS.’
Andrew Gwynne, minister for public health and prevention, said: ‘Sadly my grandson caught RSV just days after he was born. It led to weeks in intensive care and left him with long-lasting health issues.
‘RSV is preventable, and it is crucial that we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This new vaccine programme will reduce thousands of hospitalisations and save precious lives.
‘I would like to thank all those who have been working to make this ground-breaking vaccine rollout a reality, and with almost 30 years as a midwife myself, I appreciate all the efforts across the NHS in bringing together vaccination and maternity services so that it is easy for women to get a RSV jab as soon as they’re eligible.’
