The NHS is making an urgent call for more than a million individuals to get a vital vaccine, with health experts cautioning that the virus in question is “not just a winter illness”. In England, around 1.3 million people have yet to receive their immunisation against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – a virus that could lead to pneumonia in its most severe form.
Invitations are being dispatched this week by NHS officials to those who haven’t been vaccinated against RSV and are aged between 75 and 79 years old, or turned 80 post-September 1, 2024, urging them to book an appointment with their GP. RSV can strike at any time of year and targets the airways and lungs.
It poses a particular threat to older adults and babies, potentially resulting in serious lung infections such as pneumonia, alongside other life-threatening complications. On September 1, the NHS initiated its first-ever RSV vaccination programme and has, thus far, administered the jab to nearly 1.5 million individuals, including more than 1.3 million people aged between 75 and 80.
According to the health service, the vaccine significantly decreases the likelihood of experiencing severe symptoms, and a single dose is sufficient. Additionally, pregnant women from 28 weeks into their pregnancy are also entitled to the vaccine, as RSV ranks as one of the primary causes of death among infants.
Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, has issued a stark warning regarding the RSV illness, known to accelerate in winter but also prevalent all year round. He stated: “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.”
Stressing the importance of the various vaccines on offer, he added: “Vaccines for RSV, COVID-19 and flu protect you against different respiratory infections so it’s important you have each vaccine when you are offered them. 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.”
He further commented on the benefits of the vaccine, saying: “It could prevent you developing a severe illness like pneumonia and even save your life”. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), also spoke about the impact of RSV, particularly on the elderly.
He noted: “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”.
This urgent plea coincides with NHS England raising alarms about hospital capacities, dubbing this period as potentially the “busiest week” of the winter season. With surging cases of illnesses such as norovirus, Covid, and RSV, healthcare facilities are experiencing extraordinary pressure.
Official figures reveal a troubling scenario with an average of 961 patients admitted daily due to norovirus last week alone. In addition to this, an average of 952 patients were hospitalised with COVID-19 daily last week, while the number of children admitted to hospital with RSV each day averaged at 18 – a decrease from the previous week’s average of 28.
Further details on RSV symptoms and vaccination can be found on the nhs.uk website. Expectant mothers are advised to consult their maternity service or GP practice regarding the vaccine.