New vaccine emerges for a little-known deadly virus affecting over-75s

The NHS has launched its first-ever RSV vaccination campaign aimed at protecting vulnerable groups from the respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause severe breathing difficulties in young children and older adults. The campaign focuses on adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women, who can pass on RSV antibodies to their newborns. The Abrysvo vaccine, developed by Pfizer, has shown an 80% reduction in severe RSV symptoms during clinical trials involving over 17,000 adults and 4,000 pregnant women, with no serious side effects reported.

The vaccine, already used in the US and Europe, is projected to prevent thousands of hospitalizations annually, including around 5,000 among infants and 2,500 among adults this winter alone. Despite the promising results, there are concerns about the lack of long-term side effect data and the exclusion of individuals over the age of 80 from the vaccination program. Additionally, those with a history of severe allergic reactions are advised not to receive the vaccine. The campaign aims to raise awareness and encourage vaccination to reduce the impact of RSV, especially among those with weakened immune systems, lung or heart conditions, and smokers.