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NHS urges those eligible to get RSV vaccine as cases in Surrey rise
Surrey Heartlands is encouraging all those eligible to get vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as preparations for winter ramp up.
From September 2024, the RSV vaccination was made available for the first time to all older adults aged 75-79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their baby.
Of the 45,000 people living in Surrey who meet the eligibility criteria, less than half have received their vaccination (42%). With cases on the rise across the county, the NHS is urging all those eligible to consider having their vaccination.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and whilst it can get better by itself, it can also be serious for some babies and older adults.
Symptoms can include a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness and a high temperature with sweatiness and shivering.
Latest statistics from the UK Health and Security Agency show that RSV activity is circulating above baseline levels nationally, driven by increases in those aged 5 and below.
Professor Andrew Rhodes, Joint Chief Medical Officer for Surrey Heartlands Integrated Care System, said:
We are seeing increasing numbers of admissions of RSV patients in our hospitals across Surrey and that is why it is so important that those who are eligible consider getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
For those most vulnerable, RSV can lead to more serious infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis which can be especially dangerous for babies, young children and older adults.
Having the vaccine during pregnancy is the best way to protect a baby from getting seriously ill with RSV. The vaccine boosts the mother's immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus to help protect the baby from the day they are born.
Further information about RSV, symptoms and who to contact if you are concerned about yours or your child’s health is available on the NHS website.