The RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine – News

Posted on September 3rd, 2024

From 1st September, all adults turning 75 will be invited to get their RSV vaccine and they will remain eligible until the day before their 80th birthday.

This marks a big step forward in protecting older people aged 75 to 79 and new-born babies, not only in the run up to winter but all year round.

RSV is an incredibly common but potentially very serious infection – as many as 9 in 10 children will have had it by the time they’re two, and most of us will have it several times in our life.

Symptoms include a cough, sore throat, sneezing and a runny or blocked nose.

Although RSV usually gets better by itself, it can be dangerous for young babies and can lead to bronchiolitis which makes it hard for babies to breathe.

It can also be serious for older people, particularly those with heart or lung conditions or a weakened immune system, as it can lead to serious illnesses such as pneumonia.

Thousands of babies and older people will end up in hospital due to RSV every year, typically in winter when cases are at their highest.

Rolling out a new vaccination takes a huge amount of work, and we are determined to make getting this vaccine as convenient as possible.

We will be in touch with your invitation in due course.

For more information please follow link: https://bit.ly/RSV_Guide_Older_Adults