You may be interested in the information I have received below:
"Please see the below update on the new NHS vaccination programme against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), prepared by Leeds City Council Health Protection Team.
New Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination programme - September 2024 update
A new vaccination programme for older adults and pregnant women to protect newborn babies against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is being rolled out in England from September 2024. Below is further information about the vaccine programme, who is eligible, how to get the vaccine and examples of resources and assets available. Please share these widely with your contacts to help us raise awareness of this new vaccination programme.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period. Whilst symptoms can be mild, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually and for 20 to 30 infant deaths. RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and affecting lung disease and other long-term conditions. In those age 75 and over RSV causes around 9,000 hospitalisations.
The offer for older adults
The RSV vaccination will be offered as a single dose to all older adults turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024. A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity. Eligible people will be invited for the vaccination by their GP. The vaccination will be given all year round.
The offer for pregnant women
The RSV vaccination will be offered to pregnant women when they reach 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect their babies from birth. The vaccination will be offered all year round and it will be recommended in every pregnancy. Pregnant people become eligible for the vaccination from 28 weeks pregnant, this provides the best protection for babies, however it can be given until birth. The primary route for the RSV vaccination in pregnancy will be through maternity services during antenatal appointments. This will take effect from mid-September, led by Leeds Teaching Hospital Trust. GP’s will provide the RSV vaccination to pregnant women on request or opportunistically for those who have missed this during their antenatal appointments.
Raising awareness of the RSV vaccination.
Leaflets and posters on the RSV vaccination for pregnant women and older adults can be downloaded or ordered from the Health Publications website free of charge: https://www.healthpublications.gov.uk.
Leaflets are available in different languages and a range of accessible formats.
- Leaflet for older people: Guide to the RSV Vaccine for Older Adults - Health Publications
- Leaflet for pregnant women: - A Guide to the RSV Vaccination for Pregnant Women Leaflet - Health Publications
- Posters: Pregnancy RSV Poster for Pregnant Women - Health Publications and older people RSV Poster for Older Adults - Health Publications
