NHS urge residents to take up free vaccine invitation
NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW have urged thousands of residents across the region to take up their invitation for a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine as part of a campaign; which is raising awareness of the illness and its impacts to reduce hospital admissions or treatment.
RSV is an illness that can spread all year round and can affect everybody who catches it; the symptoms including runny nose, coughing, sneezing and fever as they resemble the common cold. For older and vulnerable adults it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions.
Figures show that 61,000 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been vaccinated against RSV since the end of August; but this only accounts to just fifty-one percent of those who are eligible. Therefore invites will be sent to anyone aged 75-79 or those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, urging them to book a vaccination appointment with their GP.
Pregnant women are also eligible for the vaccine from 28 weeks onwards, as RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality, with more than 5,000 women being vaccinated across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight since August 2024. Women can speak to their maternity service or GP practice to book their vaccination in.
Local GP and Clinical Lead, Dr Matt Nisbet, stated: “I would encourage everyone who receives an invitation to have their RSV vaccination to take up the offer. RSV is relatively unknown among the public and it typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, in older people or young babies it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and bronchiolitis which can result in hospital admissions.
“We usually see an increase in cases of RSV during the winter months, but it can affect people all year round and can make older people seriously ill. This is why it is vital for all those who are eligible to have their vaccination. You do not need to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.”
The RSV vaccine reduces the risk of severe symptoms and only one dose is needed for effectiveness. Those eligible for the RSV vaccine includes those aged between 75-79, those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024 and pregnant women. More information on RSV symptoms and vaccination is available on the NHS website.
PICTURED BY NHS HAMPSHIRE & IOW: Elderly male receives a vaccination from the NHS against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
