From the 1st September, pregnant women and elderly adults in Greater Manchester will be able to get the new free RSV jab.
The jab is already being offered to pregnant women in the United States, Europe, Argentina, Australia, Canada and Japan. The RSV vaccination programme is being introduced in England with the aim of protecting the most vulnerable against the illness.
The vaccine will be offered to pregnant women over 28 weeks. The jab will to help protect new-born babies from the virus. People turning 75 on or after 1st September 2024, will also be offered the vaccine. There will also be a one-off catch up jab for anyone aged 75-79 years old.
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.
In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care said:
“Many people may not know about RSV, but it is a very serious illness – infecting up to 90% of children by the age of 2 and 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 when it becomes available from September and beyond.
“By simply getting this single vaccination, it will prevent older people from becoming seriously ill and pregnant women will help protect the lives of their unborn babies.”
Pregnant women will be offered the RSV vaccination by the maternity team, but they can also ask their GP practice. For older people it will be available from their GP.
Who will be offered the new RSV vaccine?
- People aged 75 on or after 1st September 2024
- People aged 75 to 79 on 1st September 2024 as part of the catch-up campaign
- People who turn 80 in the first year of the programme until 31st August 2025
- pregnant women from week 28 of their pregnancy
