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2nd September 2024
The groundbreaking Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine could prevent up to 60,000 infections in the first year for pregnant women and older people.
From the 1st of September all pregnant women and older people in England will be offered the new RSV vaccine.
All pregnant women more than 28 weeks and older people who turn 75 years of age on or after September 1st will be eligible. Older people between 75 to 79 years of age will also be offered a catch up programme to ensure that they’re protected for this winter. You'll be eligible until the day before you turn 80 but if you've already turned 80 then you'll still be able to receive the RSV vaccine in the first year until the 31st of August 2025
The RSV virus can cause coughs and colds but can also cause a serious form of lung infection in infants called bronchiolitis which can make it difficult for them to breathe and feed. About 20,000 babies are admitted to hospital every year causing an immense strain on hospitals and pediatric intensive care units over the winter months. Older people can also develop severe pneumonia and be admitted to hospital.
Previous studies have shown that pregnant women who are vaccinated with the RSV vaccine can reduce hospital admissions of infants by 70% in the first six months of life. Another study in The Lancet has shown that the vaccine could prevent 5000 hospital admissions and 15,000 A&E attendances for infants. Further modelling for the adult catch-up programme could prevent 2500 hospitalisations, 15,000 GP visits and up to 60,000 RSV illnesses in the first season of vaccination.
Andrew Gwynne, MP and 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 strongly urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and secure the future health of your children and loved ones.”
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.”
Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, said: “Vaccination is a vital means of protecting babies, women and families, as well as helping to manage increased pressures on NHS capacity during the winter period.
“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.”
If you’re pregnant, you’ll need to speak to your maternity services or your GP for a vaccine. It's usually given between 28 and 36 weeks of your pregnancy and will ensure that your baby will have sufficient protection for the first 6 months. Eligible older people will be called by your GP in due course.
Written and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant Physician
MBBS, MRCP, DCH, DTM&H, DRCOG, DFFP, MRCGP
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