A TOTAL of 260,000 vaccinations for Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) have been administered in the south west since the NHS vaccine launch in September last year.

The tally includes more than 30,000 pregnant women.

Dr Julie Frier, consultant in public health and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: “RSV can be a very severe illness and is the cause of thousands of hospital admissions for babies and older people each year.

“The vaccine helps prevent those most vulnerable becoming seriously ill. I would strongly advise anyone who is eligible to book their appointment and get their RSV vaccine as soon as they can. For older people this will help to protect themselves and for pregnant women this will help to protect their unborn baby.”

RSV is a common virus, and almost all children get an RSV infection before they turn two years old. However, while most people will only get cold-like symptoms, it can make babies and older adults seriously ill and cause breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies).

The RSV vaccine is available for free for pregnant women, and can be accessed via maternity services or local GP practices from 28 weeks gestation. It is offered to pregnant women as vaccination boosts the mother’s immune system, prompting it to make extra protective antibodies which are passed to the baby in the womb, giving protection from birth.

The RSV vaccine is also available for older adults who are aged 75 to 79. Those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024, are eligible for the RSV vaccine until August 31, 2025.