RSV Vaccinations in Somerset

New respiratory vaccine programme to protect infants and elderly will save lives in Somerset

 

August 2024

 

  • The UK is the first country in the world to offer a national vaccination programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both infants and older adults from RSV
  • The vaccine will protect infants and older adults, easing winter pressures on the NHS
  • Eligible people urged to take up offer when rollout begins in September

 

The UK will become the first country in the world to have a national programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The rollout, which will start from 1 September in England, includes both a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79. These are the groups identified at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

 

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally.

 

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under five and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. Up to 50% of hospital admissions for children under one year old relate to RSV.

 

RSV also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75.  The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

 

More than 34,000 people over 75 in Somerset will be eligible for the vaccine when it becomes available.

People aged 75-79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation once eligible.

Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant will be contacted by their maternity service to get the vaccine to protect their baby from September.

These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.