Half a million have already received the new RSV vaccine (Image: Getty)
More than half a million people have been vaccinated against winter killer respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the first national jab rollout. Inoculations for and flu also kicked off on Thursday as the NHS battles to prevent a “tripledemic” during the colder months.
Appealing for all those eligible to come forward for vaccinations, NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis warned the threat posed by these viruses is “all too real”.
He said: “Express readers will know what a vital role vaccination played in bringing us out of the darkest days of the pandemic.
“But the threat of these dangerous viruses is sadly still all too real with alarming new data showing 18,000 deaths associated with flu and 19,500 with over the last two winters.
“However there is of course a quick and easy way to protect yourself and your loved ones from ending up seriously ill, with our winter and flu vaccine rollout kicking off this week for older people, care home residents, and those with long term health conditions – so if you don’t already have an appointment please do book using the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 111.
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“NHS teams are going above and beyond to deliver vaccines in the most convenient ways, including jabs from pop-up clinics in a Wolverhampton supermarket car park and a Wakefield rugby club, and if you are pregnant or aged 75 to 79 then I would urge you to also get your all-important vaccination against RSV too to help us stop the threat of a ‘tripledemic’ this winter.”
The RSV vaccine is being offered for the first time in history to all those aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks.
When given during pregnancy, the jab boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus to help protect the baby after birth.
It has been shown to reduce the risk of severe lung infection among newborns in the first few weeks of life by 70 percent.
A recent study suggested its use could prevent 5,000 hospitalisations and 15,000 A&E attendances for infants, plus 2,000 hospital admissions among older patients.
Some 589,000 RSV jabs have been administered since the rollout began in September, including 545,358 given to older adults 2,028 to mums-to-be.
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Kate Brintworth, chief midwifery officer for NHS England, said: “It’s fantastic to see that in just one month there’s been over half a million RSV jabs administered.
“While RSV infections can occur all year round, alongside and flu viruses, cases usually peak in winter – so it’s vitally important that anyone eligible for these vaccinations take up their offer as soon as possible this autumn when contacted by the NHS.”
Julie Yates, the UK Health Security Agency’s deputy director of immunisation programmes, said: “Every year we’re seeing many of those at greater risk of getting seriously ill from winter viruses not getting their vaccines, with many thousands ending up in hospital and far too many tragically dying.
“If invited don’t delay – get the vaccines. And if you’re unsure if you’re eligible or have any concerns please do speak with your GP surgery or local pharmacist.”