As of 1 September 2024, pregnant women and older people in England will be offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine by the NHS.
In response, the British Society for Immunology has released the following statement.
Dr Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, said:
"The introduction of the RSV vaccine into the UK’s national vaccination program marks a pivotal moment in public health. Every year, RSV infection leads to over 9,000 hospitalisations in the UK, placing immense pressure on patients and the healthcare system, especially during winter months.
After decades of rigorous research and development by immunologists, we finally have a safe and effective tool to protect our most vulnerable populations — particularly those over 75 and young infants — against the severe consequences of RSV. This RSV vaccine will not only prevent countless cases of illness but will also dramatically reduce the risk of severe complications like pneumonia and bronchitis, which can be life-threatening.
The impact of the RSV vaccine extends beyond individual protection; it represents a critical step forward in relieving the strain on our healthcare services and improving public health outcomes. I am eager to witness the transformative effects the RSV vaccine will have on safeguarding the health of our most at-risk populations in the years to come."
Notes for editors
You can read the full NHS vaccination strategy at: www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-vaccination-strategy.
You can download copies of the British Society for Immunology’s guides to vaccinations, including for childhood vaccinations, vaccines for adults over 65 and COVID-19 vaccines here: www.immunology.org/public-information/vaccine-resources. The BSI guides are designed to answer common questions around how vaccinations work and why they are important.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Cox, Marketing and Communications Manager
Tel: +44(0) 7464 621 014
Email: l.cox@immunology.org
Jennie Evans, Director of External Affairs
Tel: +44(0) 7703 807 444
Email: j.evans@immunology.org
The British Society for Immunology is the UK organisation representing scientists and clinicians who study the immune system.