Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in the UK but is relatively unknown to the public. RSV 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.
On 1 September 2024, two new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes will be introduced into practices.
The aim is to obtain this vaccination prior to the flu and COVID vaccines, which will be available from 3rd October 2024.
The RSV vaccination programme is;
1) A programme to protect infants by vaccinating pregnant women (from 28 weeks)
All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine to help protect their newborn babies. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth. Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to get the vaccine to protect their baby. Women will be offered the vaccine in each pregnancy.
2) A programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old
A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection. Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine. The vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024.
The practice is offering RSV appointments to all of our patients aged 75 to 79 years old wc 9th September 2024 before the flu/COVID vaccines, which will be available during October.
We will be sending out links to book an appointment online for RSV, Flu/COVID vaccinations or alternatively you can contact the practice and one of our team will be happy to schedule this for you.
You can access further information on the RSV vaccine at; www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults
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