Millions will receive new life-saving jab to protect against ‘severe’ RSV for free on the NHS – are you eligible?

ELDERLY people and pregnant women will receive a vaccine on the NHS to protect against a respiratory virus that can cause serious complications.

Starting in September, anyone aged 75 and over will be eligible to receive a dose of Pfizer’s Abrysvo to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant to date will also be invited for a jab to help keep themselves and their babies safe.

The NHS in England is being urged to vaccinate as many people as possible in September and October, before winter sets in and RSV circulates more widely.

In future, all women will be eligible for a shot once they reach 28 weeks of pregnancy.

In Scotland, programs will run from August, with Northern Ireland and Wales expected to follow.

RSV causes infections in the lungs and respiratory tract.

In healthy adults and older children, it often causes cold-like symptoms.

However, babies are at risk of serious RSV infection and may require hospitalization, especially in the winter months.

Likewise, premature babies, the elderly, people with heart and lung disease or anyone with a weak immune system are at greater risk.

The new NHS vaccine programs in England are expected to be delivered through GP surgeries and pharmacies.

A specific recovery campaign will also be launched for those aged between 75 and 79, with the aim of vaccinating as many people as possible by the end of August 2025.

Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “We encourage everyone who has had an RSV vaccine to take it up when the vaccination program begins in September.

“RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

“The vaccine will help prevent older adults and young babies from developing more serious complications from the virus, whilst also helping to reduce pressure on NHS services during the busy winter months.”

The new programs follow guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), which advises the UK government on vaccines.

An NHS spokesperson added: “The NHS will make every effort to ensure people have protection against this nasty virus before winter, with GPs preparing to offer this new vaccine to vulnerable groups as quickly as possible, so please come forward when you are invited.”

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said RSV is so common that most children become infected by their second birthday.

He said the RSV epidemic peaks in December and is responsible for around 33,000 under-five hospital admissions on the NHS and between 20 and 30 deaths of young children every year.

‘JUST ON TIME’

Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK said: “We are delighted to see the launch of this vaccine which has arrived at just the right time.

“RSV hospitalizes more than 33,000 children under the age of 5 every year, putting huge pressure on the NHS.

“Asthma + Lung UK has long called for vaccines to be made available to those most at risk.

“The clock is ticking and it is critical that vaccines are rolled out quickly to protect vulnerable lungs before winter.

“We stand ready to work with the next Government and the NHS to raise awareness of the risks of RSV and the benefits of being vaccinated.”

This newly announced program has the potential to transform children’s health services during the winter months, reducing hospital admissions and could even save young lives.

Dr Mike McKeanRoyal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Dr Mike McKean, from the RCPCH, added: “We are delighted that the calls from thousands of paediatricians and healthcare professionals for a much-needed RSV program have been heard.

“The campaign for an RSV vaccine has been a key issue for the College for many years and today’s announcement represents a huge step forward for child health and the pediatric workforce in England and Scotland.

“This newly announced program has the potential to transform children’s health services during the winter months, reducing hospital admissions and could even save young lives.

“An annual reduction in RSV cases would allow us to focus on the many more children and young people who need emergency care during the winter months.

“Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting children’s health, but we are seeing a worrying decline in uptake of many routine childhood immunizations.

“As pediatricians, we want to continue to advocate for the use of vaccines to win the battle against these dangerous and preventable infections.”