Health leaders back RSV jabs for the elderly and pregnant women in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is encouraging local residents who are aged 75-79 or pregnant (between 28 and 36 week) to have a vaccine that is being rolled out nationally to protect newborn babies and older adults against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

RSV is a common virus that affects the airways and lungs. It causes cold-like symptoms, such as coughing, a sore throat, sneezing and runny or blocked nose. However, in some cases, RSV can make it hard to breathe and lead to dangerous lung problems like pneumonia, which may require hospitalisation in severe cases.

Older adults are at greater risk of serious complications if they catch RSV. Pregnant people are also advised to have the vaccination to ensure protection for their child. Newborn babies are at higher risk of developing severe complications if they contract RSV.

This new vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS.

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: 

“I encourage everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. The rollout of the RSV vaccine is a significant step forward for older adults, expectant mothers, their babies and our health service.

“RSV poses a significant threat to respiratory health, especially for infants and the elderly, and can result in conditions like bronchiolitis and pneumonia that, in serious cases, require hospitalisation and intensive care. The newly launched vaccination aims to reduce these risks and bolster public health efforts.”

Vicky Birch, Healthy Pregnancy Support Service and Maternity Vaccination Lead, said:

“We know that RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, but it can also lead severe infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, with babies and newborns often requiring treatment in hospital. We strongly encourage pregnant women to take up the opportunity to receive RSV vaccine. Please ask your Midwife for our availability”

The NHS will invite you for vaccination or please ask your midwife for more information.

The vaccine is a one-off jab which can be given any time before or after your flu vaccination. It is not normally given at the same time as flu or COVID vaccinations. We recommend eligible patients have the RSV vaccination in September before flu season starts. It is safe to have it if you have a minor illness (such as a cold). We strongly advise patients to have the vaccination to protect yourself ahead of winter.

You can read the Patient information leaflet for older adults here. Or access the information for pregnant people here