NHS expands free jab that can save you from deadly illness with flu-like symptoms

Thousands more Brits will be vaccinated this year against a potentially lethal virus that causes flu-like symptoms and results in over 50,000 hospitalisations annually.

The Department for Health and Social Care has broadened access to the life-saving jab this month to prevent these hospitalisations and the 8,000 deaths associated with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) each year. While many who encounter this bug will merely experience a runny nose, cough, and fever, it can lead to fatal chest and lung infections in vulnerable groups.

In September 2024, the NHS announced that pregnant women and individuals aged 75 to 79 would receive the RSV vaccine for the first time as part of a broader programme of preventative health measures aimed at alleviating the winter pressures on hospitals. With the virus also causing dangerous bronchiolitis in babies, the health service hopes the campaign will also reduce infant mortality.

Every year, around 30,000 children are hospitalised with RSV, 100 of whom tragically die from the infection. While adults constitute a smaller portion (18,000) of those occupying hospital beds, the virus typically contributes to the deaths of approximately 7500 adults.

The NHS is expanding the availability of the RSV vaccine to over 200 community pharmacies nationwide, aiming to increase uptake and make it more convenient for the public. Previously, the jab was only offered at GP surgeries, with only half of those eligible taking it up last year.

RSV is a common winter virus that spreads through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces. While symptoms are often similar to a cold or flu, they can be severe in young babies and older adults.

Clinical trials have shown that the RSV vaccine reduces symptoms by around 80 per cent, significantly lowering the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation in vulnerable groups. Pregnant women past 28 weeks are encouraged to get vaccinated, as it also protects babies up to one year old, who are most susceptible to serious illness.

By involving community pharmacies in vaccination delivery, the government hopes to free up GP practices to focus on other essential healthcare services. Malcolm Harrison, director of the Company Chemists' Association, told the Daily Mail: "We urge that pharmacies are commissioned to deliver a wider range of NHS vaccines nationally.

"We estimate that this could free up 10 million GP appointments each year."

During the September launch of a ground-breaking RSV vaccine programme, Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, shared: "Sadly my grandson caught RSV just days after he was born. It led to weeks in intensive care and left him with long-lasting health issues."

"RSV is preventable, and it is crucial that we take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This new vaccine programme will reduce thousands of hospitalisations and save precious lives.

"I strongly urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated and secure the future health of your children and loved ones."