Children and vulnerable adults could soon receive a breakthrough vaccine to protect them against one of the most common winter bugs.
In a media briefing on Friday, scientists announced the first step in vaccinating eligible Britons against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), best known for causing bronchiolitis with lung problems in young people.
Researchers will use NHS data to identify those most likely to benefit from vaccination as part of a government-funded project. Vaccination is then recommended for these patients.
It comes a week after trials by the pharmaceutical company Moderna showed that the RSV vaccine was 84 percent effective in preventing a cough and fever in older adults.
Children and vulnerable adults could soon receive a breakthrough vaccine to protect them against one of the most common winter bugs (stock photo)
Similar research was conducted during the Covid pandemic to identify the highest risk patients to be prioritized for the vaccine.
RSV hospitalizes about 29,000 children and 18,000 adults each year—and until now, no effective vaccine has been available. Experts involved in the study say the rollout of the vaccine will drastically reduce hospital admissions.
“RSV vaccines will become available over time,” says Professor Aziz Sheikh, research and development expert in primary health care at the University of Edinburgh, who is leading the study.
“We are preparing the conditions for this.”
The study is part of a unique program in which the Government is funding 16 research projects to prevent another NHS winter crisis.
Scientists have announced the first step in vaccinating eligible Britons against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), best known for causing bronchiolitis with lung problems in young people (stock photo)
Other plans include testing whether advanced computer software can reduce ambulance waiting times and analyzing the impact of unheated homes on hospital stays.
The whole scheme will cost around £800,000 and experts believe the results could be visible by March.
“I am only too aware of the enormous challenges facing healthcare this winter,” said Professor Cathie Sudlow, senior scientist at Health Data Research UK – the UK’s Institute for Health Data Science.
“It is crucial that we use data quickly and responsibly to support the NHS.”
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Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
