Around 2 in 5 eligible people in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are still to receive their RSV vaccine

The NHS is urging people who are eligible for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine to come forward, as thousands across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent remain unprotected.

Local figures show that around two in five eligible people have not yet had the RSV vaccine, including more than one in three older adults and over half of eligible pregnant women.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that often causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to serious illness in babies and older adults, including pneumonia and hospitalisation.

Studies show the vaccine offers strong protection. Research by the UK Health Security Agency, working with NHS trusts across England, found the RSV vaccine was around 82% effective at preventing hospital admissions in people aged 75 to 79.

Separate research published in the Lancet Child and Adolescent Health found that the maternal RSV vaccine reduced the risk of hospitalisation in babies by 72% when mothers were vaccinated more than two weeks before giving birth.

People aged 75 to 79, or those who turned 80 after 1 September 2024, can contact their GP practice to book an appointment. Pregnant women can get the vaccine from 28 weeks and should speak to their maternity team or GP practice.

Dr Steve Fawcett, Clinical Director for Urgent and Emergency Care for NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Integrated Care Board, said:

“RSV is not just a winter illness, while cases increase in colder months, the virus can circulate all year round and can make older people and babies seriously ill.

“That’s why we are working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet taken up the offer of vaccination, and I would urge everyone who is eligible to book their appointment as soon as possible. One jab could prevent serious illness such as pneumonia and could even save lives.”

Dr Abdi Ali, Consultant in Respiratory Medicine at University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust, said:

“As a respiratory doctor, I see how serious RSV can be for older people and those with underlying health conditions, with some patients becoming unwell enough to need hospital care. We want to reduce the risk of people reaching that point.

“The RSV vaccine offers strong protection against severe illness and hospitalisation, and I would strongly encourage anyone who is eligible but hasn’t yet been vaccinated to come forward and get the jab through their GP practice.”

GP practices may contact eligible patients directly by letter, text message, phone call or email. People do not need to wait to be contacted and can contact their GP practice to arrange an appointment.

From 1 April 2026, the RSV vaccination programme will be extended to include all adults aged 80 years and older, as well as all residents in care homes for older adults.

More information on RSV symptoms and vaccination is available on the nhs.uk website.

More information is available on the vaccinations during pregnancy webpage.

More information is available on the vaccinations for adults aged 65 and over webpage.