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People aged 75+ can now benefit from the UK’s rollout of a RSV vaccine to protect elderly people from the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). However, some people wonder what is RSV, the symptoms of RSV, why the elderly need it and is the RSV vaccine safe.
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is spread through close contact with someone who is infected via coughing and/or sneezing.
RSV causes respiratory illness. Most people recover from RSV after 2 to 3 weeks, but for some people RSV can affect their lower airways. It can lead to severe illness and complications such as severe lung infections like pneumonia. RSV can result in an infected person going to hospital and needing intensive care.
RSV can be fatal for older people.
What are the symptoms of RSV?
When it comes to the symptoms of RSV, it causes mild, cold-like symptoms, such as:
- runny or blocked nose.
- sneezing.
- a cough.
- tiredness.
- a high temperature.
- sweating.
- shivering.
If you have a high temperature or feel uncomfortable, it advises adults to take paracetamol or ibuprofen. Drink lots of fluids.
According to the NHS, ‘there is no specific treatment for RSV’. Treatment for RSV in hospital may include administering fluids to the infected person to avoid dehydration. Oxygen can be given to help them breathe.
Why is RSV vaccine needed?
Each year in the UK, RSV causes around 9,000 hospital admissions in those aged over 75.
The UK government has stated that the RSV vaccine could ‘help to avoid hundreds of deaths each year’ and ease winter pressures on the NHS.
When does the RSV vaccine rollout begin in UK?
The vaccine rollout is UK-wide and will start from 1 September 2024 in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Scotland begins its vaccine rollout from 12 August 2024.
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine?
Those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine are:
- People aged 75+ years old.
- Pregnant women over 28 weeks to help protect their babies.
- Babies under six months old or born prematurely or with a weakened immune system or with long-term lung or heart conditions.
Is the RSV vaccine safe?
JCVI advised that ‘a RSV immunisation programme, that is cost effective, should be developed for both infants and older adults’.
Professor Jenny Harries, UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) chief executive, said: “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.”
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine in older people?
The common side effects of the RSV vaccine from clinical trials include pain, redness, and swelling where the injection is given.
Other side effects are tiredness, fever, headaches, nausea, diarrhoea and muscle/ joint pain.
How can older people get the RSV vaccine?
People aged 75-79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to have their RSV vaccination with their GP.
People turning 75 after 1 September 2024, will also receive an invitation from their GP once they reach 75 years old.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said: “We strongly encourage those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited from September.”
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