Thousands of people are set to receive a vaccine against a deadly virus as part of a new jab rollout. The NHS has initiated a programme to vaccinate pregnant women and older individuals against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with hopes of preventing thousands of hospital admissions for babies and elderly people. This proactive step aims to ease pressure on the NHS in anticipation of the winter months.
Starting from September 1, pregnant women will be offered the vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy to safeguard both themselves and their babies. Additionally, adults turning 75 on or after September 1 will have access to the jab. A catch-up programme will also target individuals aged 75 to 79 to ensure comprehensive protection for older people before the winter season. Steve Russell, the national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, highlighted the significance of this initiative, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting vulnerable individuals and alleviating strains on the healthcare system.
RSV can lead to lung and respiratory tract infections, causing mild symptoms in healthy adults and older children but posing a risk of severe illness in babies, premature infants, older adults, and people with specific health conditions. According to NHS data, a considerable number of young children were hospitalised with RSV during the winter peak last year, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.
Health minister Andrew Gwynne shared a personal account of his family’s experience with RSV, emphasising the preventable nature of the virus and the potential impact of the vaccine rollout in reducing hospitalisations. The vaccine is anticipated to relieve considerable pressure on the NHS by preventing unnecessary admissions and freeing up resources to address other critical healthcare needs.
Professor Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), echoed the call for eligible individuals to take advantage of the RSV vaccine, as well as vaccines for flu and Covid-19. She emphasised the positive impact of vaccination in safeguarding vulnerable populations and enhancing public health, particularly as the winter season approaches.
The introduction of the RSV vaccine marks a significant step towards protecting public health and reducing the burden on healthcare services. By encouraging eligible individuals to get vaccinated, authorities aim to prevent severe illness, safeguard lives, and mitigate pressures on the healthcare system, offering a vital defence against respiratory infections during the challenging winter period.