RSV Vaccination

From 1st September 2024, 2 new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes will be introduced.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus, in the same family as the human parainfluenza viruses and mumps and measles viruses. RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in the winter. RSV is transmitted by large droplets and by secretions from contact with an infected person.

Infants under one year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease. While most RSV infections usually cause mild illness, infants aged less than 6 months frequently develeop the most severe disease such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which may result in hospitalisation.

Programme for older adults aged 75 - 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1st September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. A one-off catch up campaign for those already aged 75 - 79 years old on the 1st September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest oppertunity.

Programme for pregant women to protect infants.

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (The eligible cohert) on the 1st September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant women will become eligble as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.

You don't have to do anything now. All eligible patients will be contacted

Published: Aug 27, 2024