A new vaccine that protects against a respiratory virus could save the lives of thousands of older people in the UK each year, a study has found.
It could also help free up thousands of GP appointments and hospital beds, the researchers said.
The review by scientists at the University of Aberdeen and the MRC-University of Glasgow Virus Research Centre follows the NHS’s rollout last month of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which is being offered to people aged 75 and over, as well as pregnant women.
RSV usually causes cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, but infants and the elderly are at risk for serious infection.
The study, published in Age & Ageing, said evidence suggests a 70 per cent uptake of the vaccine among the older age group could prevent up to 2,800 deaths a year.
A new vaccine that protects against RSV could save the lives of thousands of older people in the UK each year, according to a study
The virus is usually spread through coughing and sneezing, close contact with an infected person, or contact with contaminated surfaces.
It could also free up 36,000 GP consultations and 1,000 intensive care admissions.
According to the research, the vaccines were found to be 86 percent effective in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections during the first year after vaccination.
However, the authors warn of a culture of “vaccine fatigue” as well as “vaccine hesitancy” that could impact on the number of older people who accept the vaccine.
Professor Roy Soiza, who led the research, said: ‘The NHS is severely overstretched, so efforts to reduce the burden of communicable diseases such as RSV infection are highly desirable.
‘Our review found the vaccines to be safe and effective and we are calling on healthcare professionals and carers to encourage those invited to receive the vaccine to take up the opportunity.
‘There is evidence of efficacy in preventing RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections of around 86 percent in the first year after vaccination.
‘Trials have been conducted in people over 60, including those with underlying medical conditions, but the number of volunteers aged 80 or over was too small to be sure of the extent of benefit.
‘However, we saw in the Covid pandemic that the efficacy of vaccines in trials with younger, healthier people was replicated in those who were much frailer and older.
“We therefore urge those with an interest in caring for older people to encourage those who are eligible and invited to receive the new vaccine to take it.”
Dr Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunisation and Vaccination at Public Health Scotland, said: ‘The recent launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another important step forward in protecting the health of the population.
‘RSV can be very serious for the most vulnerable people, such as older adults. In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of people aged 75 years or older hospitalized with RSV.
In young children and older adults, RSV can cause breathing difficulties and even serious pneumonia-like lung infections.
“We are therefore urging all those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine to take up the offer to protect themselves against the most serious complications of an RSV infection.”
Antonia Ho, Professor of Infectious Diseases at the MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, who collaborated on the research, said: ‘The availability of the first effective RSV vaccines in the UK is really exciting.
‘Together with existing flu and Covid-19 vaccines, they will enable us to protect vulnerable groups from serious lung infections and reduce the huge pressures faced by the NHS in the winter months.
‘The vaccination campaign for people aged 76 to 79 will end on 30 September 2024 and I urge those who are eligible to attend their vaccination appointment.’
