Department of Health and Social Care announces national RSV vaccination campaign

The vaccine will be available for older adults and pregnant women. For pregnant women, the vaccine will be available at 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their newborn babies. For older adults, a national routine programme will be available for those over 75 and a one-off campaign will be available for people aged 75-99. These are the groups at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

What is RSV?

RSV infects around 90% of children within the first 2 years of life. It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, including coughing, high temperature and a runny nose. However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.

Globally, it is a leading cause of infant mortality and each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under 5 and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. It also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75. 

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

"As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV first-hand, I am thrilled to see the UK leading in this way in tackling this devastating disease".

"My own grandson contracted RSV when he was just days old, leading to weeks in intensive care and a lifelong impact on his health. I don’t want anyone to go through what he went through". 

"Not only will this vaccine save lives and protect the most vulnerable, it will help ease pressure on our broken NHS, freeing up thousands of hospital beds as we head into winter".

I am eligible for the vaccine, how can I get it?

People aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible. 

Women that are at least 28 weeks pregnant should speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to get the vaccine to protect their baby.

Originally published on: National RSV vaccination programme announced - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)