Closeup of a vaccination needle about to enter a teen's arm

A national respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine programme protecting infants and elderly people will save lives in the UK.

The UK became the first country in the world to have a national programme that uses the same vaccine to protect both newborns and older adults against RSV.

The rollout, which started on 1 September 2024 in England, includes a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75 and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79. These are the groups at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first 2 years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public. 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.

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under 5 and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. It also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75. The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

"As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand, I am thrilled to see the UK leading in this way in tackling this devastating disease.

My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through. 

Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter."

People aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible. 

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.

These vaccination programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said:

"RSV is a very serious illness, infecting up to 90% of children by the age of 2 and causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter - so this rollout is a huge step forward and will undoubtedly save the lives of many of those most at risk.

We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September and for women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected."

For the first time, eligible people in mid and south Essex, can book a pharmacy appointment for their vaccine online via nhs.uk/book-rsv. The pharmacies across Southend-on-Sea where this can be done are:

  • Leigh Broadway Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
  • Paydens, 75 Queensways. Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AB
  • Bansals Pharmacy, 178 The Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3ES
  • Queensway Pharmacy, 61 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
  • Southchurch Pharmacy, 535 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AY
  • Kalsons Chemist, 138 Hobleythick Lane, Westcliff-on-Sea, SS0 0RJ

Pregnant women will be contacted from 24 weeks to offer the vaccine and book appointments (from 28 weeks). If you have questions about the vaccine please speak to your maternity team.

Published: Thursday, 17th October 2024