With Scotland’s Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme set to begin later this summer, NHS Forth Valley and Public Health Scotland (PHS) are encouraging older adults to look out for their invitation letters arriving.  

There were over 1,000 cases of RSV recorded in adults aged 75 and over in Scotland, with more than half (535) having to spend time in hospital as a result. RSV is also the leading cause of emergency respiratory admissions to hospital in Scotland in infants, with 1,516 children aged under one hospitalised with the virus last year.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system. It generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, or decrease in appetite. Most people recover after 2 to 3 weeks, but RSV can affect the lower airways in some people and cause severe illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, leading to complications and hospitalisation.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), PHS has been working with the Scottish Government and NHS boards to develop plans for the roll out of Scotland’s RSV vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants and older adults.

Appointments will start during August 2024.  Those turning 75 years old on and between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025 will be the first to receive invitations. The vaccine will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 August 2024 as part of ‘catch up’ programme, as the RSV vaccine is new to Scotland and this group could not be given the vaccine before now.

Also starting from August, pregnant women will be offered the vaccine during discussions with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. The timing of the vaccine offer will help protect their newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection.

Dr Nicholas Phin, Director of Public Health Science at PHS, said:

“Vaccinations have played a major role in protecting the health of people across the globe over the last 50 years.  The launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step forward to protect the health of the population.

“RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as older people. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in those aged 75 years and over being hospitalised for RSV, which is a concern. That’s why we’re asking all those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine to look out for their letter and take up the offer to protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.”

Justine Craig, Chief Midwifery Officer of Scotland, said: “I encourage pregnant women to take up appointments for RSV vaccination, and discuss with their midwife, to protect their babies from the virus during the first weeks and months of life.

“RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in a baby’s first year of life and this vaccine could save lives. Vaccination could avoid thousands of GP, A&E visits and hospital admissions.

“Vaccinations will be in place from early next month to maximise the benefit to pregnant women and their babies ahead of winter.”

Fiona Coan, NHS Forth Valley’s Immunisation Manager, said: “If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV.

For older adults who will receive a letter in the post, we strongly encourage you to read the information and attend the appointment to get your RSV vaccine.”