From this summer onwards, older people can access a vaccine to protect against serios infections due to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a viral infection which can be life threatening in older adults, especially those with heart problems, lung problems or a weakened immune system. It circulates throughout the year but is more common in the winter months.
It spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or by direct contact through the nose, mouth, or eyes after touching an infected surface.
People with RSV can be infectious for up to 2 days before they develop symptoms and for 3 to 8 days afterwards.
We can all reduce our risk of catching or spreading RSV by washing our hands, and covering our mouth when coughing and sneezing. Disinfecting surfaces and avoiding close contact with people experiencing cold-like symptoms can also help.
How dangerous is RSV for older adults?
In younger people, the virus typically causes a few days of minor symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, or sneezes, very similar to the “common cold”. However, in older adults and babies it can cause more serious breathing problems and aggravate ongoing medical conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or congestive heart failure (CHF).
Adults at highest risk of severe RSV infection include those older than age 60 with:
- Lung disease
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Liver disease
- Diabetes
- Blood disorders
- Neurologic disease
- Immunosuppression
Older adults who live in residential care homes or nursing homes also have a higher risk of a severe RSV infection.
Every winter, thousands of older adults need hospital care for pneumonia caused by RSV.
Who is the vaccine for?
The vaccine is being made available to older adults and pregnant women (to protect their babies).
The specific age bands are slightly different across the UK. In England and Wales adults will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday although in the first year anyone aged 75 to 79 years old will also be eligible. In Scotland, older adults aged 74-80 will be offered the single dose vaccine.
How does the vaccine help
The vaccine aims to save the lives of older people and reduce their risk of becoming seriously unwell with pneumonia or other complications.
It cannot prevent every case of the virus, but it can make the infection to be less severe. Its effects last at least 2 years or more.
How safe is the vaccine?
In the UK, we have very strict safety standards for vaccines and the RSV vaccine has passed all of these requirements. Nevertheless, do check with a doctor or nurse if you have concerns or if you have ever had a serious allergy to a vaccine. Allergic reactions to this vaccine are very rare. Serious side effects have been noted in around 1 in 1000 people
How can I get the vaccine ?
GP surgeries and community pharmacists will be inviting adults in the right age groups for the vaccine. If this is you, and you do not get an invitation then please check with your surgery. It is possible to have the RSV vaccine at the same time as some other vaccines eg flu but you will need to discuss this arrangements with your nurse, doctor or pharmacist.
A mild illness like a cold should not prevent you getting the vaccine but it would be better to check with a doctor or nurse if you have a more serious illness or a temperature.