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RSV Vaccination program
Posted or Updated on 20 Sep 2024
The practice will be concluding its RSV vaccination campaign on Friday 27th September.
This is a final reminder to all who are eligible for it and still wish it. All those eligible have been invited previously by SMS, Letter or Phone call.
What is respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)?
RSV is a common respiratory illness that’s present all year round, but cases peak in the winter. It may occasionally result in severe lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and other life-threatening conditions. Last year there were over 1,000 RSV cases in adults aged 75 and over.
The symptoms of RSV can include:
• a runny nose and sneezing
Most people recover after 2-3 weeks, but RSV can cause severe illness, leading to complications and Admission to hospital. The number of people aged over 75 being admitted to hospital with RSV has been increasing in recent years.
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine?
Everyone turning 75 years old on or after 1 August 2024, up to and including 31 July 2025, will be offered the RSV vaccine this year.
For the first year of the programme, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 August 2024.
This means you’ll be offered the vaccine if your date of birth is between 2 August 1944 and 31 July 1950 inclusive.
How effective is the vaccine?
Getting the vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself against infections caused by RSV. The vaccine has been shown to reduce the chance of you suffering from RSV infection. As with all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective and some people may still get RSV despite having a vaccination. If you do get RSV, it should be less severe. In clinical studies, the RSV vaccine provided good protection for at least two years, and is expected to last longer.
How is the vaccine given?
The RSV vaccine will normally be given as an injection in the upper arm. It is not live and does not cause RSV.
Can the RSV vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?
Speak to your vaccinator so they can advise what is best for you. They will be able to tell you when you may be invited for other vaccines.
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness before they are allowed to be used. Once they are in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be carefully monitored.
Side effects of the RSV vaccine
Any side effects are usually mild and disappear within a few days. Side effects can include:
• pain, swelling or redness at the site of injection
Other side effects are rare
Are there any reasons why I should not have the vaccine?
There are very few people who cannot have the vaccine. People who have had a confirmed severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to any of the vaccine ingredients or a previous dose of the same vaccine should seek advice from their health professional.
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard, by using the Yellow Card app, or by calling 0800 731 6789.
You can visit www.nhsinform.scot/rsv-adult for more information. You can also talk to a health professional, or call the NHS inform helpline on 0800 22 44 88
IF YOU STILL WISH THE VACCINE PLEASE CALL THE PRACTICE ON 01700 501521 ASAP