NHS urges elderly to get vaccinated against RSV to prevent serious illness and save lives

NHS urges elderly to get vaccinated against RSV

The National Health Service (NHS) in England is urging elderly people to get vaccinated against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common infection that can be dangerous for older patients.

Over 1.3 million people in the UK aged between 75 and 80 have been invited to receive the RSV vaccine, which can help prevent serious complications in vulnerable individuals. The NHS warns that RSV poses a health threat year-round, not just during the winter months.

While RSV typically causes mild cold-like symptoms in most people, it can lead to more severe conditions like pneumonia and other lung infections in older adults. The NHS began offering the RSV vaccine in September 2024, and over 1.5 million people have already received it.

Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards are also eligible for the RSV vaccine, as the virus is a leading cause of infant mortality. Over 150,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated since September.

"RSV is not just a winter illness," says Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening. "We see cases increase in winter, but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated."

He encourages everyone who is eligible to get the RSV vaccine as soon as possible, as it could prevent serious illness and even save lives.

For most people, RSV infections are common and not a cause for concern. Almost all children will catch RSV before they reach two years old. The virus spreads through coughing and sneezing, and symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing, tiredness, and high temperature.

If RSV develops into a more serious infection, symptoms may include a persistent cough, shortness of breath, faster breathing, difficulty feeding in babies, and confusion in older adults.

"RSV can be severe in older people, causing serious lung infections like pneumonia and flare-ups of existing conditions," says Dr. Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency. "If you're eligible, there is good evidence it will help give you protection – speak with your GP practice about getting the jab.