The NHS in the Black Country is now offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine at selected local pharmacies, making it easier than ever for eligible groups to get protected.
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.
Since last September, people aged 75 to 79 have been encouraged to come forward for a RSV vaccination via their GP practice. Pregnant women over 28 weeks are also offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from, to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
Now, those eligible can visit a participating pharmacy in the Black Country to get the RSV vaccine as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England.
Appointments can be booked online at a pharmacy that offers the RSV vaccination via the NHS website.
RSV vaccinations are also available at a number of pharmacies on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. You can find a participating pharmacy on the NHS website.
Sarah Quinton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “RSV can lead to serious illness, particularly in older adults and pregnant women. Vaccination is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
“We’re delighted that the RSV vaccine is now available at selected community pharmacies across the Black Country. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, and this expansion means more people can get protected quickly and conveniently, close to home.
“Only one dose is needed for long-term protection, and I would encourage anyone eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
For more information about the RSV vaccine, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website.
