Friday 06 September 2024

Eligible islanders across the Bailiwick are being invited to receive a Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections. Cases peak every winter although can occur at any time of the year and it can be more serious for older adults and newborns. Newborn protection is provided via a maternal vaccination administered during pregnancy, the same as the well-established antenatal pertussis (whooping cough) programme.

Women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1 September 2024 and adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the vaccine. As this is the first year of the RSV vaccine programme, a one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024 will also be undertaken. Eligible older adults will receive a letter inviting them to receive the vaccine. Pregnant women will receive an invite directly from their midwife when appropriate.

It is recommended that all those that are eligible for the vaccine take up this offer, as it is the best way to provide protection to those most at risk against severe RSV illness. For small babies, the virus can lead to a lung infection called bronchiolitis, a condition can make it harder for them to breathe and to feed. For older adults, RSV can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions.

The vaccine is supplied free of charge however there may be a charge for the nurse appointment. This charge is covered for those that receive free Primary Care appointments and there is no charge for those who receive the vaccine through Maternity Services.