Pharmaceutical giant Boots has launched a private RSV vaccination service for patients who cannot receive it on the NHS.
It comes amid fears of a possible quadraemia this winter, with respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, norovirus and Covid-19 in circulation.
The virus causes around 30,000 hospitalizations of children under five and 9,000 of pensioners over 75 each year in the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency warned last week that RSV activity has continued to increase this year and is circulating above normal levels.
Visits to emergency departments for acute bronchiolitis, a respiratory infection that affects infants and children under two years of age, increased nationally last week, he added.
The virus is usually not serious and has common symptoms including high temperature, runny or stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing.
But some babies and older adults may be at higher risk for complications that can potentially lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The NHS currently offers a free RSV vaccine for patients aged 75 to 79 and women more than 28 weeks pregnant.
Pharmaceutical giant Boots has launched a private RSV vaccination service for patients who cannot receive it on the NHS.
The UK Health Security Agency warned last week that RSV activity has continued to increase this year and is circulating above normal levels.
The NHS is currently offering a free RSV vaccine for patients aged 75 to 79 and women over 28 weeks pregnant.
The Boots service offers an option for others who do not qualify for an NHS jab but want to protect themselves or others.
It costs £245 and is available in 75 stores nationwide for patients aged 60 and over or for women aged 18 and over who are between 28 and 36 weeks pregnant.
The high street giant is the first chain to offer the service along with flu and Covid vaccines.
RSV is a respiratory virus that is more common during the winter period as people tend to spend more time indoors and around other people.
Claire Nevinson, Boots pharmaceutical superintendent, said: “RSV can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening for certain people.
‘The private vaccination service is a great option for those who are not eligible for the NHS but still want to protect themselves.
“Overall, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the spread of the virus to others this winter.”
The RSV vaccine is a single dose and is expected to provide good protection for at least two years, and potentially longer.
For people aged 60 and over, RSV is not usually given at the same appointment as the flu or Covid-19 vaccine, but can be given if advised by a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Pregnant women can receive the RSV vaccine at the same time as other pregnancy vaccines, such as whooping cough and flu.
The Boots service offers an option for others who do not qualify for an NHS jab but want to protect themselves or others.
The high street giant is the first chain to offer the service along with flu and Covid vaccines.
“The private vaccination service is a great option for those who are not eligible for the NHS but still want to protect themselves,” said Claire Nevinson, Boots pharmaceutical superintendent.
National surveillance programs found that 9.6 percent of samples tested in laboratories tested positive for RSV this week, compared to 6.9 percent the previous week.
Dr Jamie López Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “RSV continues to circulate at higher levels, particularly among children aged 5 years and younger, with emergency departments seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis.
‘Flu has also increased this week and we expect to see an increase in all respiratory illnesses over the winter.
‘For the first time this year, the RSV vaccine is being offered to everyone who is 28 weeks or more pregnant to protect their baby, as well as people aged 75 to 79.
‘Ahead of the busy season, those eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also reminded to get vaccinated as it offers the best protection heading into winter.
‘As we are now seeing more emergency department attendances caused by RSV, it is important to know how to spot the signs.
‘Some of the main symptoms of a serious infection due to RSV include a worsening cough, difficulty breathing, and difficulty feeding.
‘You should seek medical help if you are concerned that your child is seriously ill; You can find more advice on the NHS website.
‘If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19, such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and in pain, try to limit your contact with other people, especially those who are vulnerable.
“Washing your hands regularly and using disposable tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.”