Invitations are being sent out to thousands of older people living in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight encouraging them to take up the offer of a free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.
RSV spreads all year round and affects the airways and lungs, and for older adults it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions.
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.
Since the end of August 2024, more than 61,000 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight have been vaccinated again RSV, this is 51 per cent of those eligible. However, that means nearly half of those eligible are yet to get protected.
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.
Dr Matt Nisbet, a local GP and clinical lead at NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said:
“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. Those eligible for the RSV vaccine includes those aged between 75-79, those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024 and pregnant women.
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