New vaccine offers protection against common winter virus

This year a new vaccine will give vulnerable people protection against another common winter virus that can cause serious health complications, for the first time. People can now have vaccination defence against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)with a new vaccine, in addition to the winter vaccines we are used to having each year – flu and COVID-19.

Winter brings an increased risk of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 – viruses that can cause serious illness for certain groups, so now is the time to book your vaccination to protect yourself and your loved ones.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. For most people, symptoms are mild but for young babies and older people, RSV can lead to severe illness such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis and result in hospital admission.

The new vaccine is being offered to people aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women so that their babies are protected. Young children with a high risk of serious RSV infection may also be offered a vaccine.

Matthew Missen, Consultant Public Health at NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent ICB, said: “As we go into autumn and winter we are already seeing increasing numbers of people becoming infected with seasonal viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19. These infections can make people seriously unwell, and we see somepeople needing hospital care due to complications from these common infections.

“Vaccination is our best defence against these viruses and the illness they cause. By booking your flu, COVID-19 or RSV vaccination now, you can help protect yourself and those around you, particularly family and friends who are at risk of severe illness from these infections.”

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are offered to people at risk including people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, people aged 6 months and over with conditions that make them more at risk of severe illness from these infections.

Healthcare and social care workers are also offered flu and COVID-19 vaccination to protect themselves in their work but also prevent spread of these viruses to those they care for.

Flu vaccines are also offered to all school aged children and 2 – 3-year-olds. Main carers for an older or disabled person are also eligible for flu vaccination.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are available at GP practices and some pharmacies. A series of ‘pop-up’ COVID-19 vaccination clinics are also taking place over the coming weeks. Find your nearest COVID-19 vaccination clinic here Walk-in Covid-19 Vaccination Clinics in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent – Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, ICS (staffsstokeics.org.uk).

For more information on RSV, flu, and COVID-19 vaccinations, speak to your GP, local pharmacy, or visit the NHS website www.nhs.uk.