Starting this September, the NHS will offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to those aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their child. This is in addition to the existing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

The introduction of the new vaccine could prevent thousands of babies, toddlers and older adults being hospitalised with RSV and save many lives. A recent detailed analysis estimated that the new programme launching in England this autumn could typically prevent 5,000 hospitalisations and 15,000 emergency department attendances for infants.

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is not something that many people are aware of. 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.

RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. It causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year.

Professor Dame Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:

“These two new RSV vaccine programmes – one for pregnant women and another for older adults as they turn 75 – offer huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives as well as ease NHS winter pressures.

“UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV immunisation programme and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health. I urge all those eligible, to take up the offer when the programmes begin in September.”

Dame Jenny Harries added: “Having the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against RSV, as the vaccine boosts your immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus, and these then pass through the placenta to help protect your baby from the day they are born. The vaccine reduces the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months of life.

“The RSV vaccine is the safest way to protect you and your baby. It has been approved by medicines regulators in the UK, Europe and the USA. Many thousands of women have had the vaccine in other countries, including more than 100,000 women in the USA.”

Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer NHS Frimley, said: “While RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak every winter around October to February, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible when invited by the NHS from September. General Practice will invite older people for their vaccination and those who are pregnant can speak to their maternity service. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against RSV.

“These viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure – so please come forward as soon as you are invited.”

Flu vaccinations for children will start when the new school year begins in September, to help stop the virus spreading. Pregnant women can also get their jab from 1 September.

From 3 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for other eligible groups. People can start booking their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in advance from 23 September, with appointments running until 20 December.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.

For more information, visit: National RSV vaccination programme announced – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)