1,300,000 people urged to get vaccine against spreading respiratory virus

More than one million people in England have been urged to get vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with health officials warning that the virus is ‘not just a winter illness’.

While RSV infections are common and not usually serious, adults over the age of 75, babies under six months and people with a weakened immune system can become severely ill.

The virus can lead to serious complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis, an infection that causes swelling of the small airways in the lungs.

In the coming days, about 1.3 million older people will be contacted to come forward for their vaccine, NHS England said.

Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: ‘RSV is not just a winter illness.

‘We see cases increase in winter but it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated – which is why are now working hard to reach anyone who hasn’t yet been jabbed and urging them to book an appointment.’

What is RSV and what are the symptoms?

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes cold-like symptoms.

Most people will only experience temporary mild symptoms, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.

In children under 12 months, RSV can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).

People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days of getting infected.

Symptoms of RSV infection include:

• Runny nose
• Decrease in appetite
• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Fever
• Wheezing

Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine?

Those aged between 75 and 79, or people who turned 80 after September 1, will be urged to book an appointment with their GP.

The vaccine for RSV was first rolled out in September 2024, with almost 1.5 million people getting jabs, including more than 1.3 million people aged between 75 and 80.

Pregnant women are also eligible for the jab from 28 weeks onwards.

According to NHS England, almost 150,000 pregnant women have had the jab since September.

What are the side effects of the injection?

The vaccination for RSV can cause some very minor side effects.

They can include:

• Redness at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Nausea

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