The UK National Health Service (NHS) has commenced its first-ever vaccination programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, targeting pregnant women and older adults.

The move is part of the NHS's winter preparedness efforts, with the vaccine being given to pregnant women from 28 weeks of gestation and adults turning 75 years on or after 1 September 2024.

NHS will also roll out a one-time "catch-up" offer for individuals aged 75 to 79 years, aimed at bolstering protection for this demographic as winter approaches.

NHS vaccination and maternity teams have coordinated to simplify access to the vaccine for pregnant women, who can receive it alongside their regular maternity care or through their local GP practice.

Research in thousands of women is claimed to have shown that the RSV vaccine can decrease the risk of severe lung infections in infants by 70% in the first six months of life.

NHS England chief midwifery officer Kate Brintworth stated: “Vaccination is a vital means of protecting babies, women and families, as well as helping to manage increased pressures on NHS capacity during the winter period.”

NHS teams in England are preparing for a year-round rollout starting this week. The vaccination efforts will also extend to flu and Covid-19, with plans to protect those most vulnerable in anticipation of the winter season.

The flu vaccines will be made available to pregnant women and most children, with broader eligibility for the flu and Covid-19 vaccines anticipated to commence on 3 October 2024.

The RSV vaccine received approval from medicines regulators in the UK, Europe and the US, following recommendations from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

NHS Vaccinations and Screening national director Steve Russell stated: “After months of preparation from our hardworking staff, for the first time ever we are now offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk – helping to protect the lives of those vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself and those around you – and while RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered by the NHS.”