Eligible people in the Black Country are being encouraged to come forward for a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. It often causes symptoms similar to 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.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), from 1 September 2024 the NHS will invite everyone aged 75 to 79 to come forward for a free vaccine to protect them from RSV.
Pregnant women are also being offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “RSV is a major cause of respiratory illness and can be particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. It can occur all year round, but cases peak each winter leaving thousands of vulnerable people needing hospital care.
“The RSV vaccine is safe and effective and is the best way to protect yourself against infections caused by RSV. This is a new vaccination programme that will protect thousands of people from serious illness each winter, keeping more people out of hospital and from needing to see a GP.
“I would encourage everyone who receives an invite to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”
Older adults will be offered the RSV vaccination by their GP practice. Pregnant women over 28 weeks will be offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from.
