RSV Vaccine

nhs-vaccine

The NHS is offering a vaccine against a common virus that causes flu like symptoms in the winter, usually a month or so before the flu season starts. 

It is hoped that the new vaccine will prevent serious illness and therefore hospitalisation in the elderly and in newborn infants who are most at risk.

The vaccine is therefore being offered to those aged 75-80 and to all pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy onwards.

If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.

It is thought that a single dose will prevent serious illness for several years so is currently given as a single dose at any time of year. However the peak season for illness is December so we aim to give as many as possible before this for those aged 75-80. The RSV vaccine should be given separate to the flu and covid vaccines as they are then more effective for this age group.

For pregnant women they can be given at the same time as flu, though should be given as soon after week 28 as possible, is dont wait for the flu vaccine to come out if you are already week 28 or beyond!

Invitations will be sent out with booking links, If you are pregnant and 28 weeks or over do contact the practice to get your vaccine.

 

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Published: Sep 2, 2024