Millions offered life-saving new jab against killer lung infection free on the NHS from today – are you eligible?

MILLIONS of people have been called to take up a new vaccine which protects against a respiratory condition that can make some seriously ill.

As of September, anyone aged between 75 and 79 is eligible for one dose of Pfizer's jab Abrysvo to tackle respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

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All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant are also being invited for a shot to help keep themselves and their babies safe.

RSV is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract.

In healthy adults and older children, it typically causes cold-like symptoms and tends to pass by itself.

However, it can also make people wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia, infant bronchiolitis and other life-threatening conditions. 

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Babies are at risk of severe infection with RSV and can need admission to hospital, particularly in the winter months.

Similarly, premature babies, adults over 75, people with heart and lung disease or anyone with a weak immune system is at greater risk.

RSV accounts for around 33,000 hospitalisations of children under five in the UK every year, and is responsible for between 20 and 30 infant deaths.

The NHS in England is being urged to vaccinate as many people as possible in September and October before winter starts and RSV circulates more widely.

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Having the vaccine during pregnancy is the best way to protect a baby from getting seriously ill with RSV as it boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus.

Research in thousands of pregnant women vaccinated against RSV shows that the jab reduces the risk of severe lung infection by around 70 per cent in the first six months of life.

Going forward, all women will become eligible for a jab once they reach 28 weeks of pregnancy.

The NHS advises mums-to-be speak to their maternity service about receiving their vaccine from 28 weeks to at any point up to birth.

Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice.

Older adults will be invited to take up the jab at their local GP practice.

The NHS is also kicking off vaccination programmes for other winter viruses, including flu and Covid-19.

Flu vaccinations will be offered to pregnant women and most children from this month, and will also be offered to other eligible Brits along with the Covid-19 vaccine from October 3.

The programme is already underway in Scotland, with rollout in Northern Ireland and Wales expected to start in September too.

The new NHS vaccine programmes in England will be delivered through GP surgeries and pharmacies.

A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 will also be launched, with the aim of vaccinating as many as possible by the end of August 2025.

Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening said: "This year for the first time, we will be offering the RSV vaccine to older people and pregnant women, to provide vital protection against this dangerous virus for those at greatest risk.

"Along with flu and Covid-19, these viruses leave thousands of people in hospital each year, and the vaccinations help us to keep more people well during the winter months when we expect the NHS to again be under significant pressure - so please come forward as soon as you are invited."

This vaccine rollout has come just in the nick of time

Sarah Sleet, Asthma + Lung UK

Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), added: "We encourage everyone who's offered an RSV vaccine to take it up when the vaccination programme starts in September.

"RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections, like bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

"The vaccine will help prevent older adults and small babies from developing more serious complications from the virus whilst helping to reduce pressure on NHS services during the busy winter months."

The new programmes follow guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises the UK Government on jabs.

An NHS spokesperson added: "The NHS will pull out all the stops to ensure that people have protection against this nasty virus ahead of winter, with GPs preparing to offer this new vaccine to vulnerable groups as quickly as possible, so please come forward when you're invited."

The jab could prevent 5,000 hospital admissions and up to 15,000 A&E visits among infants every season, recent analysis suggests.

The same estimates said the vaccine rollout could also free up 20,000 GP appointments and prevent 200 babies being sent to intensive care this winter. 

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said RSV is so common that most children have been infected with it by their second birthday.

It added that the RSV epidemic peaks in December and is responsible for around 33,000 NHS hospital admissions of under-fives and between 20 and 30 deaths of young children every year.

How the vaccine works

Almost all older adults will have had several RSV infections during their life, but they become more vulnerable to complications as they age.

A single dose of vaccine can help to boost protection as you reach the age group at highest risk of serious infection, according to .

"Unlike the flu vaccine, you do not need to have the RSV vaccine every year," it adds.

"The vaccine has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from RSV disease.

"As with all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective and some people may still get RSV despite having a vaccination.

"If you do get RSV, it should be less severe."

Kiran Jones, Clinical Pharmacist at , said irritation around the injection site can be common after getting the jab.

"You may feel mild to moderate pain or tenderness, which should subside within a few days, and also experience swelling or redness," he added.  

"Systemic side effects can include fever as the body’s immune system response is activated, fatigue, headaches and muscle pain."

He advised resting and staying hydrated to help your body recover.

"Drink at least two litres of water and eat a balanced variety of foods, including protein, fruits and vegetables and wholegrains," the pharmacist added.

"If you feel nauseous after the jab, stick to more bland foods in smaller quantities like toast, plain rice and potatoes.  

"Take over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen and Paracetamol to reduce pain, swelling or fever.

"Applying a cold compress to the injection site can also reduce any swelling.  

"Monitor any side effects, as any lasting longer than two to three days should be highlighted to a medical professional, as it could be a sign of an allergic reaction."

Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching and swelling, but Kiran noted that this is rare.

'Just in the nick of time'

Sarah Sleet, CEO of Asthma + Lung UK, said: “We are so pleased to see this vaccine rollout which has come just in the nick of time. 

“RSV hospitalises over 33,000 children under five years old every year, putting a huge strain on the NHS.

“Asthma + Lung UK has long been calling for vaccines to be made available to those most at risk. 

“Time is ticking and it is critical that the vaccines are rolled out swiftly to protect vulnerable lungs ahead of winter.”

This newly-announced programme has the potential to transform child health services during the winter months by reducing hospital admissions and could even save young lives

Dr Mike McKeanRoyal College of Paediatrics and Child Health

Dr Mike McKean, from the RCPCH, added: "We're delighted that the calls of thousands of paediatricians and health professionals for a much-needed RSV programme have been heard.

"Campaigning for an RSV vaccine has been a key issue for the college for many years now and today's announcement represents a huge step forward for child health and the paediatric workforce in England and Scotland.

"This newly-announced programme has the potential to transform child health services during the winter months by reducing hospital admissions and could even save young lives.

"A reduction in RSV cases annually would allow us to focus on the many other children and young people requiring emergency care over winter months.

"Vaccinations play a crucial role in protecting child health, but we are seeing a worrying decline in uptake across many routine childhood immunisations.

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"As paediatricians, we want to continue to champion the use of vaccinations to win the battle against these dangerous and preventable infections."

People can get their flu and Covid jabs on the same day, but those also eligible for the RSV vaccine must wait at least a day between injections to maximise its effectiveness.