A new vaccination programme to protect newborns and older adults from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is now being introduced in Scotland. The programme starts on Monday and will be available in other UK nations beginning in September.
RSV is a common and highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory system. It can cause severe illness in vulnerable populations, including infants and the elderly. RSV is the leading cause of emergency respiratory hospital admissions for infants.
In the 2022-23 period, Public Health Scotland reported that over 1,500 infants under one year old and more than 500 individuals aged 75 and older were hospitalized due to RSV. Across the UK, RSV contributes to 25-30 infant deaths each year. While many cases are mild, the virus spreads easily, and 90% of children will contract it before their second birthday.
Personal Experience Highlights Need for Vaccine
Ailey Smith from Aberdeen shared her personal experience with RSV. Her two-year-old son contracted the virus without complications. However, her newborn son Leo later developed a fever and tested positive for RSV and a urinary tract infection (UTI).
“Between days three and five, he struggled to breathe,” Smith recounted. “It was very distressing to watch. He couldn’t feed and needed tube feeding.”
Smith, who was also recovering from a C-section, found it challenging to care for her ill baby. “My husband and I tried to take shifts, but I ended up doing most of the caregiving. It was exhausting and emotional.”
Smith expressed strong support for the new vaccine, stating, “If I were in that position again, I would jump at the chance to get vaccinated. It was such a difficult experience.”
Vaccine Distribution and Winter NHS Pressures
The vaccine rollout is based on recommendations from the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Pregnant women from 28 weeks into their pregnancies and people aged 75 and over are eligible for the vaccine, with a one-off catch-up offered to those aged 75 to 79.
Dr. Sam Ghebrehewet, head of immunisation at Public Health Scotland, emphasized the importance of vaccination for vulnerable groups. “RSV can be very serious for newborns, infants, and older adults. If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself or your baby from RSV.”
Scottish First Minister John Swinney noted that Scotland’s early vaccine rollout could help ease winter pressures on the NHS. He urged those aged 75-79 to take advantage of the vaccine offer.
Recognizing RSV Symptoms
RSV symptoms usually appear within a few days of infection. According to the NHS, common symptoms include:
Runny or blocked nose
Sneezing
Cough
Tiredness
High temperature
In babies, RSV may also cause irritability and reduced feeding. If the infection becomes more severe, it may lead to:
A worsening cough
Rapid or irregular breathing
Difficulty feeding
Noisy breathing (wheezing)
