With appointment letters arriving soon, NHS Ayrshire & Arran is encouraging older adults to take up the offer of vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
RSV is a common and highly infectious virus that affects the breathing system. In healthy adults it generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, or decrease in appetite. However, RSV can be very serious for those who are at the highest risk of serious illness from the infection, including older adults and babies.
In the coming weeks, those turning 75 years old between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026 will receive invitations to get their RSV vaccine. The vaccine will also be offered to anyone aged between 75 and 79 years of age who has not yet been vaccinated.
The RSV vaccine, which was first offered in Scotland last year, has been successful in reducing hospitalisations among those who are more vulnerable to serious complications of RSV infection. A study published earlier this year showed a 62% reduction in RSV related hospitalisations among eligible older adult age groups following the vaccine’s introduction in August 2024.
The RSV vaccine is also offered during pregnancy, with vaccines offered from 28 weeks. RSV is the leading cause of respiratory hospital admissions for young babies in Scotland. Getting vaccinated while pregnant will help protect newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection.
Lynne McNiven, Director of Public Health at NHS Ayrshire & Arran said:
“RSV usually causes a mild illness. But for some people – newborns, infants and older adults – the virus can be more serious. That’s why we want to see eligible people in Ayrshire come forward to their vaccine appointment this summer.
“Vaccination offers the best protection against RSV, and so we strongly encourage everyone invited to take up the offer when it comes. Look out for your appointment letter in the coming weeks.”