Rollout of new respiratory illness vaccine programme starts

Rollout of new respiratory illness vaccine programme starts

A new vaccination programme to reduce the risk of severe lung infections is now being rolled out by the NHS.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness and is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. The virus can lead to pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, requiring hospitalisation and intensive care in severe cases.

The vaccination programme

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is launching two new RSV vaccination programmes, one to protect infants by vaccinating pregnant women (from 28 weeks) and another for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old.

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life.

In older adults, a single dose is expected to give good protection for a few years. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection.

Vaccination during pregnancy

UKHSA guidance encourages women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected, and those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September.

The vaccine boosts the pregnant woman's immune system to make antibodies that can fight RSV infection. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect the baby from birth.

The vaccine will be offered from week 28 of pregnancy, often by maternity services. Having the RSV vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this gives the best protection for the baby, including if they are born early.

Having the vaccine later in the pregnancy will still provide some protection from infection and reduce the risk of spreading infection to the newborn baby. If it wasn't possible to have a dose earlier, it can be given right up until you have the baby.

Older adults programme

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

Eligible people will be invited by their GP.

Cllr Christine Bannon, Knowsley Council's Cabinet Member for Health, said: "The new vaccine programme offers us a huge opportunity to prevent severe illness, protect lives and ease pressure on the NHS.

"I would urge those eligible to come forward for their vaccine as soon as they are invited."