A new vaccination initiative aimed at protecting newborns and the elderly from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is being launched today across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. This follows a similar rollout in Scotland that began last month.
Respiratory syncytial virus is a prevalent winter pathogen that can cause severe respiratory issues, particularly in vulnerable populations. The vaccine is being introduced for the first time to women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant and elderly individuals aged 75 to 79.
Andrew Gwynne, England’s Minister for Public Health, emphasized the importance of the vaccine, stating, “This is preventable, which is why this vaccine is so important.” Gwynne’s personal connection to the cause is evident, as his grandson, Lyle, spent two weeks in intensive care due to RSV as a baby. Gwynne expressed his desire to spare others from similar distress.
In England, RSV hospitalizes approximately 20,000 infants each year, with up to 30 fatalities attributed to the virus. Nearly 90% of children are infected with RSV by the age of two, and it is a leading cause of respiratory conditions like bronchiolitis in young children. Additionally, RSV impacts the elderly, contributing to around 9,000 pneumonia admissions annually.
Dr. Yasmin Baki, a paediatrician at UCLH in London, highlighted the vaccine’s potential impact, stating, “It could change what we see at the front door of A&E here, in terms of vulnerable young babies.” She stressed that RSV can be life-threatening, particularly for premature infants or those with pre-existing conditions.
NHS England reports that global studies of RSV vaccination in pregnant women indicate a 70% reduction in severe lung infections for their infants within the first six months. A recent study published in *The Lancet* estimates that the new vaccination program could prevent 5,000 hospitalizations and 15,000 A&E visits for infants, as well as 2,500 hospital admissions for older individuals this winter. This could also help alleviate pressure on frontline healthcare staff.
The vaccine, known as Abrysvo and manufactured by Pfizer, represents a significant advancement in preventing RSV-related complications.
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