Scotland’s new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine programme has started to roll out and Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging those eligible to get vaccinated.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system. It is 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.

To help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy.

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

Local health boards in Scotland have been inviting all those currently eligible by letter to come forward for their free RSV vaccine including:

Those turning 75 years old on and between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025.
Anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 August 2024.

Dr Elvira Garcia, Consultant of Public Health and Immunisation Coordinator at NHS Orkney said:

“I’m very pleased that the new RSV vaccination programme in Scotland will help protect 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. I would strongly encourage you to get your RSV vaccine if you are invited for vaccination.”

Pregnant women will be offered RSV immunisation from 28 weeks of their pregnancy, for those in Orkney their vaccine will be provided by the midwives and the Maternity Team will be in touch to arrange a time. The maternity team can be contacted on 01856 888238. Individuals in Orkney that will be aged 75-79 years on 1 August 2024 will receive an appointment letter to be vaccinated by the NHS Orkney Vaccination Team. Stromness Surgery and ferry linked isles surgeries will provide this service to their patients. The Vaccination Team can be contacted on 0300 303 5313.

Highlighting the importance of pregnant women and older adults coming forward for the RSV vaccine, Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at PHS, said:

“Vaccinations have played a major role in protecting the health of people across the globe over the last 50 years. The new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step in protecting the population of Scotland against preventable diseases.

“RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as newborns, infants and older adults. If you’re eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV.

“Public Health Scotland continues to work closely with all health boards to ensure as many people as possible receive their vaccine and protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.”

Commenting, John Swinney First Minister of Scotland said:

“I encourage pregnant women to take up their vaccination appointments to protect their babies against the leading cause of hospitalisation in infants during the first weeks and months of life.

“Ensuring a healthy childhood is every parent’s first priority, however, it is equally important that those aged 75-79 take up their offer of this vaccine.

“We have acted quickly with partners to introduce this vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This programme will reduce the numbers seriously ill or hospitalised, helping to manage the significant winter pressures on our NHS.”