The UK has introduced RSV vaccination for people aged 75 and above, as well as pregnant women at 28 weeks of pregnancy and beyond. This vaccine is designed to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which can cause serious respiratory illness.

Key Points:

Older Adults (75-79): RSV can lead to severe respiratory issues in older adults, including pneumonia and exacerbations of chronic conditions like COPD. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of these complications, lowering the chances of hospitalisation and improving quality of life.
Pregnant Women (28 weeks and above): Vaccinating pregnant women not only protects the mother but also provides passive immunity to the baby, protecting newborns during their first vulnerable months. This is crucial in preventing RSV-related complications in infants, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

This vaccination program is a significant step in safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, helping to prevent severe RSV infections and their associated risks.

Blackwater Medical Centre are administering the RSV vaccine from 3rd September 2024.
Those patients who are eligible should ideally not be administered with the covid and flu vaccine at the same time. This will be a separate clinic on Saturday 12th October.

Dr Geranmayeh