New vaccine to protect the vulnerable from respiratory virus

Royal Devon has launched a new vaccination programme to help protect the most vulnerable from a respiratory virus.

From September 1, The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is asking pregnant women and older people to come forward to be vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

The RSV vaccination programme includes a vaccine for pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies, a routine programme for those over 75, and a one-off campaign for people aged 75 to 79.

These are the groups at greatest risk from RSV, according to advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Despite infecting around 90 per cent of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public.

It typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it is a leading cause of infant mortality worldwide, as it can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants.

Each year in the UK, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations in children aged under five and is responsible for 20 to 30 infant deaths. 

Up to 50 per cent of hospital admissions for children under one year old relate to RSV, and it also causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75. 

The RSV programme could free up thousands of hospital bed days and help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year.

More than 75,000 people in Devon will be eligible for the vaccine when it becomes available.

Pregnant women and those over 28 weeks pregnant will be offered an RSV vaccination at a designated clinic. 

Where possible, these clinics will be held alongside community midwifery sessions across the Royal Devon area.

The times, dates, and locations of these clinics will vary monthly and will be announced via social media and a Google calendar.

Older adults will be contacted directly by their GP for vaccination appointments.

Carolyn Mills, Chief Nursing Officer at the Royal Devon, said: “Many people may not know about RSV, but it is a very serious illness, causing thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital over winter.

"That’s why it is so important for everyone who is eligible to make sure they get their jab while it’s available in September and beyond.

"A single vaccination will prevent older people from becoming seriously ill and will help pregnant women to protect the lives of their unborn babies."