NHS to roll out jabs against killer lung disease for first time
Eligible people in England will soon be able to get a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) via the NHS for the first time.
Health chiefs today detailed their plans to offer the new RSV jab to those aged 75 to 79 as well as pregnant women past 28 weeks, in a bid to protect young children, from September.
A recent analysis has suggested that offering the jab to these groups could prevent 5,000 hospital admissions a season, and up to 15,000 A&E attendances among infants.
The same estimates said the jab rollout could also free up 20,0000 GP appointments and prevent 200 babies being sent to intensive care this winter.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and while a mild ailment for most healthy people they can be dangerous to elderly and very young children.
It can lead to serious infections and breathing complications like pneumonia and as a result RSV is responsible for between 20 to 30 deaths in children each year in Britain
Similar to previous years, those in vulnerable groups and the staff that care for them will be eligible for those vaccines.
However, while people can get their flu and Covid jab on the same day any who are also eligible for the RSV vaccine will need to wait at least a day between injections to maximise its effectiveness.
People who are eligible for the RSV jab are expected to be invited via their GP or workplace in the case of healthcare staff.
Steve Russell, the NHS’s national director for vaccinations and screening said: ‘This year for the first time, we will also be offering the RSV vaccine to older people and pregnant women, to provide vital protection against this dangerous virus for those at greatest risk.’
‘These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure – so please come forward as soon as you are invited.’
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne added: ‘For the first time ever this year, we’re offering RSV vaccinations as well as Covid and flu doses, supporting the most vulnerable people and protecting our NHS this winter.’
It can lead to serious infections and breathing complications like pneumonia and as a result RSV is responsible for between 20 to 30 deaths in children each year in Britain
The NHS’s plans for the rollout comes as part of its winter vaccine plans, which also includes Covid and flue jabs.
Similar to previous years, those in vulnerable groups and the staff that care for them will be eligible for those vaccines.
However, while people can get their flu and Covid jab on the same day any who are also eligible for the RSV vaccine will need to wait at least a day between injections to maximise its effectiveness.
While preventing severe RSV infections, and therefore hospital admissions, is a benefit of itself, health chiefs also hope the jabs will reduce winter pressures on NHS services in general.
People who are eligible for the RSV jab are expected to be invited via their GP or workplace in the case of healthcare staff.
Steve Russell, the NHS’s national director for vaccinations and screening said: ‘This year for the first time, we will also be offering the RSV vaccine to older people and pregnant women, to provide vital protection against this dangerous virus for those at greatest risk.’
‘These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure – so please come forward as soon as you are invited.’
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne added: ‘For the first time ever this year, we’re offering RSV vaccinations as well as Covid and flu doses, supporting the most vulnerable people and protecting our NHS this winter.’