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MORE than one million people in England are being urged to get a life-saving new vaccine.
It protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a cold-like illness that can make some people seriously ill.
Invitations are being sent out to people in England eligible for the RSV vaccine[/caption]
Invitations are being sent out this week to Brits aged 75 to 79, and those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024.
While RSV infections are common and not usually serious, adults over the age of 75, babies under six months and people with a weakened immune system can become severely unwell.
The virus can lead to life-threatening complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, an infection that causes swelling of the small airways in the lungs.
In the coming days, about 1.3million older people will be contacted to come forward for their jab, NHS England said.
Appointments can be made directly through GP surgeries.
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “RSV is not just a winter illness.
“We see cases increase in winter but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated – which is why we are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment.
“I would encourage everyone we contact in the coming days, or anyone who has previously been invited but hasn’t yet taken up the offer, to get the RSV vaccine as soon as possible by contacting your GP.
“It could prevent you from developing a severe illness like pneumonia and even save your life.”
There are around 3.6million cases of RSV in adults every year in the UK, according to a report by RAND Europe.
Many people do not seek NHS care, but approximately 600,000 GP visits, 460,000 NHS 111 calls and 24,000 hospital admissions are attributable to adult cases of RSV annually.
Researchers estimated 11,800 adult deaths are due to RSV in the UK.
The RSV vaccine was first rolled out in September 2024, with almost 1.5million people getting jabs, including more than 1.3million people aged between 75 and 80.
A study in the Lancet found the first season of vaccination could prevent up to 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 GP visits and 60,000 RSV illnesses in older adults.
Pregnant women are also eligible from 28 weeks, as RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality.
According to NHS England, almost 150,000 pregnant women have had the shot since September.
How to book your RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.
If you’re eligible to receive it, you should be contacted by your GP surgery and offered an appointment.
This includes:
- People aged 75 to 79
- Those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024
- Pregnant people from 28 weeks onwards
But you don’t need to wait to be contacted before booking a slot.
Some pharmacies will also be offering the vaccine.
You can visit nhs.uk/book-rsv to book a pharmacy appointment near you.
It’s best to get your RSV vaccine on a different day from your flu and Covid-19 vaccine to ensure its effectiveness.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist, UK Health Security Agency, said: “RSV can be severe in older people, causing serious lung infections like pneumonia and flare-ups of existing conditions.
“If you’re eligible, there is good evidence it will help give you protection – speak with your GP practice about getting the jab.”
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, and symptoms usually start within a few days of getting infected. These include:
- A runny or blocked nose
- A cough
- Sneezing
- Tiredness
- A high temperature (your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweating and shivering, or chills)
If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause:
- A cough that gets worse
- Shortness of breath
- Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- Difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite
- Noisy breathing (wheezing)
- Confusion (in older adults)
Most of the time, RSV clears up on its own. But you should ask for an urgent GP appointment or call NHS 11 if:
- Your child is unwell and it’s getting worse
- Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- Your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, or shows other signs of dehydration
- Your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, feels sweaty or is shivering
- Your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- You or a child aged 5 years or older has a temperature below 36C
- Your child is very tired or irritable
- You get cold symptoms and you have a long-term medical condition (such as a heart or lung condition) or a weakened immune system (for example, because you’re having chemotherapy)
- You have difficulty breathing – you may be more short of breath than usual
- Check symptoms on 111 online (for anyone aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5)
And call 999 if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises, long pauses in their breathing or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- You have severe difficulty breathing – you’re gasping, choking or not able to get words out
- You or your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
- You or your child’s lips or skin are turning very pale, blue or grey – on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands
- Your child is under 5 years and has a temperature below 36C
There is no specific treatment for RSV. The NHS recommends taking paracetamol or ibuprofen, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
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