Oxfordshire GP encourages those eligible to get RSV vaccine
It’s as an NHS text message campaign starts today to boost RSV vaccination
A GP from Oxfordshire is urging those eligible, aged 75-79 to take up the RSV vaccine as a new national NHS text message campaign is set to roll from today.
The campaign aims to encourage more people to get vaccinated against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), a common virus that can be serious in older people and infants.
"catch-up campaign"
Those in the specific cohort who are unvaccinated will receive a text message asking them to make an appointment for an RSV vaccination at their GP practice or to visit the national booking website.
Dr Ed Capo-Bianco, GP at Goring and Woodcote medical practice, said: “It’s down to what they’ve shown in studies and people’s response to the vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccine is for those under 80 years old.
“At the moment, unless there’s specialist recommendation, there isn’t the capacity to offer it to people who are younger than 75 either.”
The text message campaign will last a number of weeks, so not everyone will receive a message on the first day.
Dr Capo-Bianco says, “it’s like a catch-up campaign”.
He said: “People who are 75 might find that they are not necessarily being invited in for it yet because we’re trying to make sure that we achieve all of the 79- and 78-year-olds – but if you haven’t been invited don’t worry, you will be called.”
“The idea over the coming year or two is that we catch up with everyone and then after you’ve hit your 75th birthday we’ll be able to vaccine you”, he added.
You do not have to wait to receive the text before making an appointment or going to a walk-in clinic.
"RSV is one of the world’s leading causes of infant mortality"
Women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more are also eligible to receive the RSV vaccine and are asked to contact their GP practice or speak to their midwife. They can also attend a walk-in clinic at a community pharmacy.
Lucy Archer is leading on the vaccination rollout in parts of the country, she said: “While this text invitation campaign is currently aimed at our older population, the offer of RSV vaccination to women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant continues.
“It is important to remember that RSV is one of the world’s leading causes of infant mortality. Having this vaccine during pregnancy boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus to better protect the baby from the day it is born.”