Over-75s urged to get vaccinated against highly infectious respiratory virus

Health experts are urging older Scots to accept invitations to receive a new vaccine for a highly infectious respiratory virus which can cause severe illness.

There were more than 1,000 cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) recorded in adults aged 75 or over in Scotland between October 2022 and September 2023, with more than half (535) having to spend time in hospital as a result, according to Public Health Scotland (PHS).

RSV is a common and highly infectious 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 two to three 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.

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.

PHS has been working with the Scottish Government and NHS boards to develop plans for the rollout of the RVS vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants and older adults.

Appointments are scheduled to start during August, with those turning 75 on and between August 1 and July 31, 2025 the first to receive invitations.

The vaccine will also be offered to anyone aged 75 to 79 from August 1 this year as part of a “catch up” programme, as the RSV vaccine is new to Scotland and this group could not be given it before now.

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.”

Dr Mike Coates, a GP in Lanarkshire, said: “I’m delighted that there is now going to be a vaccination programme in Scotland to help some of those who are most at-risk from getting an RSV infection.

“RSV is a common respiratory virus, like the cold or flu, that can lead to very serious infections in some people, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which is an infection of the small airways of the lung.

“If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV and any potentially serious illness it can bring.

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

Joseph Carter, head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland, said: “RSV hospitalises many children and elderly every year, putting a huge strain on the NHS, so we are delighted to see this vaccine rollout across Scotland.

“We would strongly encourage those most at risk to get their vaccination and we look forward to working in partnership with the Scottish Government and the NHS to increase awareness of the dangers of RSV and the benefits of getting this vaccination, especially ahead of the winter months.”