A vaccine programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a major cause of respiratory illness for babies and older adults, started earlier this month.
NHS England said while RSV infection can occur at any age, the risk and severity of RSV and its complications are increased in older adults and in neonates and small babies.
RSV is a common respiratory virus but is relatively unknown to the public.
Dr Jason Reddy told the Bedford Borough Council Health and Wellbeing Board that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) gives young children respiratory symptoms which “come on very, very, quickly”.
“There’s been a lot in the news recently about a child deteriorating very, very, quickly, and about how the system can respond quickly to that,” he said.
“There are no closed doors in primary care, if a child has the symptoms of a cold, we will see them because of RSV.
“It’s about assessing and safety netting, bringing them back in and escalating it to hospital [if needed].
“It is one of the biggest, or it used to be one of the biggest, causes of admission in winter time,” he said.
Vicky Head, director of public health, said it was “very exciting” that the vaccine is available.
“It’s one of the things that no one knows what it is, but it’s so common and it can be so unpleasant,” she said.
“Not only is that vaccine for pregnant women protecting their babies, but it will also help reduce pressure on [services].”
Jo Freedman, Bedford Borough Council’s chief officer for public health – health protection, said the vaccine has been available for the first time to pregnant women and adults aged 75 years and over since September 1.
The government website said all women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine, through commissioned services.
After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.
All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.
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” with the aim of completing the majority by August 31, 2025.
RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus, but are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else:
- – Wash your hands and your child’s hands often
- – Wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
- – Avoid sharing things like cutlery and cups
- – Use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you’ve used them
- – Keep new born babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions
If you’re aged 75 to 79, your GP practice will contact you about getting vaccinated.
Pregnant women can speak to their maternity service or GP surgery about getting a RSV vaccination.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
