Pregnant and elderly encouraged to get RSV vaccine

The NHS has encouraged eligible people to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV infections can be dangerous to children and older people, leading to severe lung infections which the NHS said could increase pressures on children’s hospitals and paediatric intensive care units.

In just over two months the NHS said it had given 124,867 RSV vaccinations to eligible pregnant woman and elderly people, who were being offered the vaccine for the first time.

The NHS has encouraged all pregnant women over 28 weeks and people aged between 75 and 79-years-old to ensure they were vaccinated.

Health teams across the South West have visited care homes, maternity appointments and contacted other eligible people to take up the vaccination.

The NHS said pregnant women should be offered the jab at any point from 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

"It is the best way to protect a baby from getting seriously ill with RSV, as the vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus to help protect the baby from the day they are born," it said.

Dr Alasdair Wood, consultant in health protection at UKHSA South West said: "For most people it will be a mild illness like a common cold, but sometimes it can cause really nasty infections.

"In particular for young babies it can cause them to be admitted to hospital or even intensive care.

"I would strongly advise all pregnant women to speak to their maternity teams today to organise their vaccine against RSV.

"This is absolutely the best protection you can offer your baby from the moment they are born."

He added: "I also encourage those aged 75-79 to attend their vaccine appointment once they are invited by their GP practice.’"

A recent study  showed the RSV vaccination programme could prevent 5,000 hospitalisations and 15,000 A&E attendances for infants.

It also suggested in older adults it could prevent about 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 RSV cases each year.

Dr Wood said: "This vaccine is vital to help protect our NHS as we head into the busy winter period.

"While RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter at the same time as infections from Covid and flu viruses."

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