The NHS in Humber and North Yorkshire is continuing its campaign to encourage eligible people to get vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV infections – which commonly cause coughs and colds – usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be more serious for babies and older adults.
The latest data from the UK Health Security Agency shows RSV is now circulating at higher levels across most age groups, with emergency departments seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis among children.
Around 175,000 people in the north east and Yorkshire have received an RSV vaccination since the start of September and across England 1,047,208 people have had the vaccine.
The NHS is offering the RSV vaccination to pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 79 as part of a winter vaccination programme which also includes the rollout of flu and COVID vaccines.
Pregnant women should speak to their maternity service about receiving their RSV vaccine from 28 weeks to any point up to birth. Alternatively, they can get vaccinated by request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.
Dr Nigel Wells, NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board’s (ICB) Executive Director for Clinical and Professional, said: “While RSV infections can occur all year round, alongside Covid and flu viruses, cases usually peak in winter – so it’s vitally important that anyone eligible for these vaccinations takes up their offer as soon as possible when contacted by the NHS, to help avoid a possible ‘tripledemic’.”
NHS North East and Yorkshire Regional Medical Director Dr Hamish McLure said NHS vaccination teams are working hard to protect people who are at the greatest risk from viruses which cause most harm during winter, including Covid-19, flu, and RSV.
“Eligible people should make sure they’re ready for winter by getting vaccinated,” Dr McLure said. “Getting your vaccines means your symptoms will be milder and you’ll recover faster if you run into these viruses this winter.”
Signs of RSV and what to do
RSV in children can lead to bronchiolitis. This can cause a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath and cold-like symptoms which can last a few weeks. It is usually manageable at home, but if you are worried about your child call your GP surgery or NHS 111.
You can find further, detailed advice at www.letsgetbetter.online/bronchiolitis
Jen Brownbridge, Lead Nurse for Children and Young People’s Asthma at Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership said: “During the winter months lots of babies and children get coughs and colds; and at this time of year we see lots of children in emergency departments with breathing difficulties.
“In children and babies under two years of age these breathing difficulties can be caused by bronchiolitis.
“Bronchiolitis is caused by many different viruses, but the most common virus is RSV. Children with bronchiolitis usually have a cough, runny nose and may have a slightly raised temperature. Their breathing can become gradually worse over the first week of the illness. However, bronchiolitis is usually manageable at home.
“You may need to seek medical advice if your child’s symptoms become worse, but for most children they will start to feel better after the first week, and you will start to see them return to their normal selves very soon.”