Over half of eligible South West adults vaccinated against RSV

It's been revealed that the burden on the NHS in England has been eased slightly thanks to the roll out of a new RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine.

Indications from an early study into the vaccine's results are promising, with over half of eligible people in the south west receiving the jab.

First rolled out in September last year, it's available to people aged 75-79 and the pregnant women who are 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

Lucy McCann is a health protection consultant with the UKHSA in the south west.

"The early data is really encouraging in terms of the success of this vaccination programme. The study does suggest that there are 30% fewer hospital admissions in the 75 to 79 year old population than would have occurred without the vaccination," she said.

Lucy added that it shows it's been a boost for older people in avoiding serious illness and that it's directly impacting a reduction in hospital admissions, easing some of the strain on the healthcare system.

While the vaccine is benefitting the elderly, it's also helping protect the newest lives in the south west as around 4 in 10 women who gave birth in October last year had received the vaccination.

Lucy told us: "The plan is obviously to look now at RSV in young babies and to look at the impact of the vaccine on them in terms of both severity of illness, but also amongst hospital admissions."

Expectant mums who are 28 weeks into their pregnancy should speak to their midwife about getting the jab.

Minister for Public Health and Prevention Ashley Dalton said:

“These results from our RSV vaccination programmes are incredibly encouraging.

“This safe, effective and free vaccine for pregnant women and older adults is already protecting more than a million people from this potentially deadly disease. With 50% of eligible older adults now protected, we're making good progress - but I urge those who are eligible but haven't yet come forward to get vaccinated.

“The evidence is clear: this vaccine works and is helping protect vulnerable groups while reducing pressure on our NHS."

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