More than a million people have been vaccinated againstRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV)after the NHS launched a jab launch for the first time in its history this autumn.

Data released today shows that NHS staff have delivered 1,047,208 RSV vaccinations in just over two months as the NHS ramps up efforts to avoid a triple epidemic of COVID-19, flu and RSV this winter.

From September 1, pregnant women and older adults aged 75 to 79 were offered vaccinations as the NHS sought to protect those most vulnerable to the virus and prevent a major global of infant mortality.

RSV infections are common but can be especially dangerous for young children and the elderly because they can lead to severe lung infections such as pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis. RSV is one of the main causes of pressure in children’s hospitals and pediatric intensive care units during the winter.

Getting vaccinated during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby from getting seriously ill with RSV, because the vaccine boosts the mother’s immune system to produce more antibodies against the virus – protecting the baby from the day it is born.

Staff from the vaccination and maternity teams have made it as easy as possible for pregnant women to get a life-saving jab at any time from 28 weeks pregnant.

Women should talk to their maternity service about getting the vaccine from 28 weeks to any time until birth. Alternatively, pregnant women can get vaccinated on request at their local GP practice, while older adults will be invited by their local GP practice.

Steve Russell, NHS national director for vaccinations and screening, said: “It is testament to the hard work of NHS staff that more than one million RSV shots have been delivered to those who need them, as vaccination and maternity teams across the country have worked to make it as easy as possible for those eligible to land the saving jab.

“But we know there are still many more people eligible to come forward, and with RSV cases likely to peak in the winter – alongside the COVID and flu viruses – it’s vitally important that anyone eligible for these vaccinations accept the offer as soon as possible when contacted. by the NHS to help avoid ‘triple-demic’.

A recent study in The Lancet showed that the RSV vaccination program could prevent 5,000 hospital admissions and 15,000 A&E attendances for infants – a critical, life-saving step forward to help frontline staff prepare for increased winter pressures.

The same modeling also suggests that the first season of the older adults recovery program could prevent about 2,500 hospital admissions, 15,000 doctor visits, and 60,000 RSV illnesses in older adults.

Andrew Gwynne, Minister for Public Health and Prevention, said: “It is fantastic news that over one million people in England have been vaccinated against RSV since the programs were introduced in September.

“This government is proud to have introduced the RSV vaccination program which allows pregnant women to have a free vaccine in every pregnancy to protect their babies against this disease.

“I strongly urge everyone eligible to get vaccinated – including pregnant women, young children and the over 75s – and ensure the future health of you and your loved ones.”

Dr. Gayatri Amirthalingam, Deputy Director of Immunization UKHSA said: “It is great news that the NHS has already provided more than 1 million vaccines to those most at risk of RSV. However, we want to see more people taking up the vaccine, especially pregnant women.

“I strongly encourage any woman who has reached 28 weeks of pregnancy and is not yet vaccinated to speak to their midwife.

“Vaccination during pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby from birth against RSV by boosting immunity which will then be passed on to the unborn baby – reducing the risk of severe bronchiolitis by 70% in the first six months, helping to prevent one of the the major causes of hospitalization and intensive care for babies. It is vital that all pregnant women take up the vaccine offer to give their baby the best possible start.”

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “We welcome the moment one million people have received a jab through the national RSV programme.

“In most people, RSV only causes a common cold, but it can be very dangerous for young children and people who are vulnerable.

“For this reason, we would encourage all pregnant women who have not yet had a jab to speak to their maternity teams about getting one as it is the best way to protect your baby from becoming seriously ill and requiring treatment in hospital.

“As well as protecting the most vulnerable, this will help ease the increase in experienced admissions to our A&E departments during the winter, which are already under huge demand.”

Following the recommendations of the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), the RSV vaccine has been approved by the medicines regulatory authorities in the UK, Europe and the US.

Professor Steve Turner, President of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Chair of Child Health, said: “We are delighted to see that thousands of pregnant mothers across the UK have taken the RSV vaccine since the launch in September.

“The new maternal RSV vaccine is expected to prevent thousands of serious chest infections in babies, even save lives and reduce the huge increase in hospital admissions we see every winter. So having this vaccine is important for babies, their families and the NHS. A reduction in RSV cases will allow child health staff to focus on children and young people with other conditions requiring urgent hospital admission during these busy winter months.

“The RSV vaccine is safe and effective for pregnant mothers and their babies. I strongly encourage all eligible mothers-to-be to receive this game-changing vaccine.”