Protect yourself: RSV vaccine reminder

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.

Since last September, people aged 75 to 79 have been eligible to come forward for a free vaccine to protect them from RSV. Pregnant women are also offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.

In the Black Country, almost 19,000 eligible 75–79-year-olds and roughly 4,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated against RSV to date.

The NHS is sending invites to make an appointment from this week to people not yet vaccinated who are aged 75 to 79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024. Pregnant women over 28 weeks will be offered the vaccine by the maternity service they are receiving antenatal care from.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “In most people, RSV causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms that usually gets better by itself. However, it is particularly dangerous for the elderly and infants and can cause severe implications in the first few months of a child's life.

“Cases of RSV peak each winter, but it’s important to remember that this is not just a winter illness, and it can occur all year round. Having the vaccine is safe and effective and reduces the risk of severe symptoms.

“Only one dose is needed for long-term protection which is why we’re urging anyone eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”

For more information about the RSV vaccination, visit the NHS Black Country ICB website.

The NHS in the Black Country has also created a leaflet providing key information on the vaccinations recommended during pregnancy, including the RSV vaccine, why they are important and where you can get them. The leaflets will be given to pregnant women during their antenatal appointments at hospital. You can also view the content of the leaflet on the NHS Black Country ICB website.