The NHS is urging more than a million people to come forward for an important vaccine with health bosses warning the virus is “not just a winter illness”. Around 1.3 million people in England are still yet to have their jab against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can lead to pneumonia in severe cases. Invites will be sent this week by the health service to people not yet vaccinated against RSV who are aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 after September 1, 2024. These will encourage people to book an appointment with their GP.
RSV spreads all year round and affects the airways and lungs. For older adults and babies it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions. On September 1, the NHS started vaccinating people against RSV for the first time. So far nearly 1.5 million people have already had the vaccine, including more than 1.3 million aged 75 to 80. The health body explained that the vaccine will reduce the risk of severe symptoms and only one dose is needed. Pregnant women are also eligible for the vaccine from 28 weeks onwards, as RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality.
Steve Russell, the NHS national director for vaccinations and 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 – which is why we are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment. “Vaccines for RSV, COVID-19 and flu protect you against different respiratory infections so it’s important you have each vaccine when you are offered them. 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”. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), added: “RSV can be severe in older people, causing serious lung infections like pneumonia and flare-ups of existing conditions. “If you’re eligible, there is good evidence it will help give you protection – speak with your GP practice about getting the jab”. The call comes as NHS England has also warned that hospitals nationwide are facing their “busiest week” this winter.
High cases of norovirus alongside other illnesses such as Covid and RSV have seen hospitals overwhelmed. Figures show that 961 patients a day were in hospital with norovirus last week. On top of this 952 patients were in hospital with COVID-19 every day last week, while 18 children on average were in hospital with RSV each day – a decrease from the previous week of 28. More information on RSV symptoms and vaccination is available on the nhs.uk website. Pregnant women can speak to their maternity service or GP practice about getting the vaccine.
