The UK is the first country to start a national RSV vaccination program. This program aims to protect infants and the elderly from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The vaccination program, set to commence on September 1, 2024, in England, will be extended to pregnant women over 28 weeks, newborns, and adults over 75 years. A special one-off campaign will also target individuals aged 75 to 79.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects around 90% of children within the first two years of life. While it typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, RSV can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. The virus is a significant cause of infant mortality worldwide, with around 30,000 hospitalisations in children under five and 20 to 30 infant deaths annually in the UK alone. Among older adults, RSV results in approximately 9,000 hospital admissions each year.
Ailey Smith, a mother from Aberdeen, shared how dangerous Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) can be for babies. Her newborn son, Leo, got very sick with RSV soon after he was born. Before this, her older son had the virus but didn’t have serious issues. However, Leo’s condition quickly became worse. He developed a fever and had trouble breathing, leading to an urgent trip to the hospital. Doctors found out he had RSV and a urinary tract infection. Leo was so sick that he couldn’t eat normally and had to be fed through a tube. Ailey, who was still recovering from a C-section, found it very hard to care for him, especially during long nights at the hospital. She strongly recommends that pregnant women take the new RSV vaccine to protect their babies from going through such a difficult experience.
Minister for Public Health and Prevention Andrew Gwynne emphasised the program’s potential impact, stating, “As someone who has seen the devastating effects of RSV firsthand, I am thrilled to see the UK leading in this way in tackling this devastating disease. My 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.”
Professor Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), highlighted the scientific backing for the program: “This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS. UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV immunisation programme, and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health. Having successfully procured an effective vaccine and designed a programme to protect both babies and older people, we are already working rapidly with our NHS and local authority colleagues to be ready to provide vaccinations from September – please do come forward if you are eligible.”
Pfizer’s RSV vaccine is being introduced in the UK following guidance from the independent JCVI, which was shared in September 2023. This vaccine aims to reduce the risks of RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and improve public health across the country.
In September 2024, the vaccine will be rolled out in Wales and Northern Ireland, while Scotland started earlier on August 12, 2024. This important initiative shows the UK’s dedication to providing innovative healthcare, offering essential protection for the most vulnerable people, and helping to ease the seasonal strain on the healthcare system.
Reference
UK Health Security Agency (2024) ‘New RSV vaccine could prevent 5,000 infant hospitalisations,’ GOV.UK, 13 August. https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rsv-vaccine-could-prevent-5000-infant-hospitalisations.
BBC News (2024) New vaccine for respiratory disease rolls out in Scotland. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cjw307jv05vo.
National RSV vaccination programme announced (2024). https://www.clinicalservicesjournal.com/story/45443/national-rsv-vaccination-programme-announced.
Introduction of RSV vaccination programme 2024 (WHC/2024/032) [HTML] | GOV.WALES (2024).