A new vaccine will be given for the first time in Wales on Monday with the hope it will save hundreds of lives each year. The vaccine is aimed at protecting babies and older adults from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which kills between 400 and 600 adults each year, and leads to more than 1,000 babies needing hospital treatment. RSV is a common infection which circulates through autumn and winter, infecting most children within the first two years of their life and frequently reinfects older children and adults. While for many children it presents as the common cold, babies under the age of one are at a greater risk of severe infection if they get the virus.
Evidence has shown that the vaccine is safe to offer and that it offers excellent protection from the virus. It is hoped that not only will it save lives, but it will also reduce the number of babies and adults that need hospital treatment each year. Starting on September 2, adults over 75 and pregnant women at 28 weeks and over gestation will be offered the RSV vaccine. Those eligible will receive an invite directly or be signposted by their midwife at antenatal clinics. The RSV vaccine is now the fourth vaccination offered in pregnancy, along with whooping cough, flu and Covid-19. The vaccines offer protection to both mum and baby thanks to the immunity crossing the placenta.
Dr Christopher Johnson, deputy director of health protection and head of vaccine-preventable disease programme at Public Health Wales, said: “We are excited to see the vaccination programmes for RSV become a reality and know that we are now able to protect the most vulnerable in Wales and across the UK from what can be such a devastating virus. While mild for most, this virus can cause serious illness to the very young and is responsible for around 400-600 deaths in older adults each year. I would actively encourage all those pregnant and those turning 75 to take up the offer of the RSV vaccine when it is given by their healthcare provider. By doing so you will not only be protecting yourself and those you love, but also leading the way to creating a world where RSV infections cause less harm and distress.”
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Mark Drakeford said: “RSV is very common and can pose a threat to our health, but many people in Wales have never heard of it. We’ve worked with the NHS to introduce this potentially life-saving vaccine ahead of the winter months when we traditionally see an increase in infections. This vaccine could help reduce the number of people who are admitted to hospital with serious illnesses caused by RSV and help ease some of the winter pressures experienced by the NHS. I strongly encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of RSV vaccination.” Dr Mair Parry, consultant paediatrician at Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor, said: “The introduction of this new RSV vaccine is great news, because we know it will help to prevent vulnerable babies and infants from becoming seriously ill because of the RSV virus.
Thousands of children across Wales are affected by RSV every winter, with hundreds attending hospital – sometimes with really severe symptoms or related infections. RSV is a common virus. But in the most serious cases, it can lead to our youngest children developing serious illnesses like bronchiolitis and pneumonia and being admitted to hospital for help with breathing and feeding. Many parents will know the huge stress and worry that comes with poorly children being admitted to hospital. Now it is introduced, this vaccine will help significantly reduce the chances of young children – and older people – getting ill and needing to come to the hospital. This will help keep us all well during the winter, and also help to ease the pressure on hospitals at one of our busiest times of the year.