First season with RSV vaccination saw dramatic reduction in hospitalisations

Real-world analysis of the first season of vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has shown a dramatic impact on hospitalisation in both older people and newborns.

An analysis done by the UK Health Security Agency found RSV vaccination was 82% effective against hospitalisation in older people this winter.

It also showed it was ‘highly effective’ in preventing hospitalisation for older people with a chronic respiratory condition and those who are immunosuppressed.

The study of patients across 14 NHS hospitals from October to March assessed more than 1,000 75-79-year-olds admitted for acute respiratory infection.

Overall vaccination was found to be 87% effective against admission for severe disease including needing oxygen supplementation.

A second study also looking at real-world implementation of the maternal RSV vaccine programme found it was 72% effective in preventing hospitalisation for newborns whose mothers are vaccinated more than 14 days before delivery.

Reporting the findings in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, researchers said vaccine effectiveness was 58% when including mothers who were vaccinated at any point up to their child being born.

Latest figures show that 54.7% of pregnant women giving birth in March had received the RSV vaccine.

Uptake among elderly people has been steadily rising with 62.9% of 75-to-79-year-olds now vaccinated, UKHSA said.

Both maternal and older people vaccination were introduced in September.

Earlier this summer, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that the RSV vaccination programme in older adults should be expanded to include those over the age of 80 years.

The JCVI had previously said this age group would be relooked at once there was more certainty on the effectiveness of the RSV jab among those over 80 years old and the ‘real-world’ impact of the vaccine.

Greta Hayward, Consultant Midwife at the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘The RSV season usually starts in October and while there is no risk-free birth month, babies born in late summer or the autumn are most likely to be admitted to hospital.

‘Hundreds of babies attend Emergency Departments each day for bronchiolitis through most of November and December. That is why it is so important that over the summer pregnant women reaching 28 weeks of pregnancy, ensure they are vaccinated as soon as possible.’

Dr Conall Watson, UKHSA immunisation consultant added: ‘As a parent and health professional I can’t stress enough the importance of getting the RSV vaccine during every pregnancy.

‘We recommend vaccination in week 28 or soon after but if you are later on in your pregnancy and still haven’t had your vaccine please contact your maternity service or GP practice to arrange one.’

He added: ‘RSV can be a particularly serious infection for older people, so this new evidence will also give much reassurance that having the RSV jab will greatly reduce their chances of ending up in hospital.’