OLDER people and pregnant women will be offered a vaccine on the NHS to protect against a respiratory virus that can cause serious complications. From September, anyone aged 75 and over will be eligible for one dose of Pfizer's jab Abrysvo to tackle respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant by the date will also be invited for a shot to help keep themselves and their babies safe.
The NHS in England is being urged to vaccinate as many people as possible in September and October before winter starts and RSV circulates more widely. Going forward, all women will become eligible for a jab once they reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. In Scotland , the programmes will run from August, with Northern Ireland and Wales expected to follow.
RSV causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. In healthy adults and older children, it typically causes cold-like symptoms . However, babies are at risk of severe infection with RSV and can need admission to hospital, particularly in the winter months.
Similarly, premature babies, older adults, people with heart and lung disease or anyone with a weak immune system is at greater risk. The new NHS vaccine programmes in England are expected to be delivered through GP surgeries and pharmacies. A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 will also be launched, with the aim of vaccinating as many as possible by the end of August 2025.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Sec.
