New RSV vaccine to be offered to pregnant women and over-75s in Bucks, Beds and Herts
From September, people eligible will be able to receive the vaccine from the UK Health Security Agency, which is aimed at protecting vulnerable groups
The UK Health Security Agency has announced that a new Blood collection tubes Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV) test positive results,medical concept (RSV) vaccine will be available from 1st September.
The vaccine will be offered to pregnant women and individuals over the age of 75, who are considered the most vulnerable to this respiratory infection.
Sharon Rippe, a senior Health Protection practitioner and midwife with the UK Health Security Agency in the East of England, highlighted the importance of the vaccine. “The new RSV vaccine is a significant development in protecting two key vulnerable groups,” Sharon said.
“Pregnant women and those over 75 are at higher risk, and the vaccine aims to offer them protection.”
Sharon detailed that the vaccine, when administered to pregnant women after 28 weeks of pregnancy, can provide immunity to their babies for up to six months. “This protection can reduce RSV respiratory infections in babies under six months by 70%,” she noted. “RSV can lead to severe illness in infants, potentially causing hospitalisation or even death.”
Research indicates that the vaccine could significantly impact health outcomes, potentially reducing infant hospitalisations by 5,000 and emergency department visits by 15,000 annually. “The vaccine’s benefits have been well-documented,” Sharon added. “It is expected to save 5 to 10 lives each year.”
Complications associated with RSV, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, can have long-term health effects, especially for infants whose respiratory systems are still developing. “RSV can cause serious damage to a baby’s lungs,” Sharon said. “By providing immunity through vaccination, we aim to protect infants during their critical early months.”
With respiratory infections typically increasing during the winter, Sharon emphasised the importance of receiving the vaccine before the season starts. “It is essential to get vaccinated ahead of the winter when RSV and other respiratory infections are more prevalent,” she advised.
The new RSV vaccine, which has been successfully used in other countries, will be introduced in the UK starting 1st September. “We are confident in the safety and effectiveness of this vaccine,” Sharon concluded. “It represents a major step forward in safeguarding our most vulnerable populations.”