A vaccination official has announced that within a year, children and older adults will receive a vaccination to protect against one of the most common winter viruses.
In June, the government’s Immunization Advisory Group recommended the introduction of a vaccination program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), best known for causing the lung infection bronchiolitis in children.
Three highly effective RSV vaccines have been given the go-ahead for use in Britain, including one developed by drugmaker Pfizer and approved by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency last week.
However, according to Professor Adam Finn, an expert on childhood vaccines and member of the government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), the roll-out will not begin until next year because health authorities are experiencing delays in working out an agreement with vaccine manufacturers.
Professor Finn said: “We’ve gone from an RSV vaccine to some very effective options in a few years.”
Children and vulnerable adults could soon receive a groundbreaking vaccine that protects them against one of the most common winter bugs (stock photo)
RSV – Respiratory Syncytial Virus – is a major cause of lung infections in children and can lead to pneumonia or bronchiolitis
READ MORE: Groundbreaking bronchiolitis vaccine – 29,000 children stay in hospital every year
“Officers must now decide which vaccinations to use and then negotiate a price.”
“Then the pharmaceutical companies have to manufacture the vaccines and send them to Great Britain.”
“Unfortunately, this process will not be completed in time for winter. “But given the clear need for this vaccine, I hope that patients will be offered vaccination next year.”
The charity Asthma + Lung UK last week called on the government to introduce vaccinations “as quickly as possible” after the number of children hospitalized with the virus quadrupled in just a month.
Around 30,000 children and 18,000 adults are hospitalized with RSV each year – but until recently no valid vaccine was developed.
Emma Rubach, head of health advice at Asthma + Lung UK, says that although many children do not become seriously ill from RSV, it can be dangerous for others.
“Like most other colds and viruses, RSV starts with a stuffy or runny nose and can lead to coughing, fever and sometimes difficulty breathing,” she says.
“Most children recover within a few days and can be cared for at home.”
“However, some young people develop more severe symptoms and eventually develop bronchiolitis.”
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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.
