Fiona Hyslop MSP for Linlithgow Constituency is highlighting a Scottish Government Vaccine Programme aimed to help respiratory care in older people and pregnant people ahead of this winter.
From August 2024, the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination will be available to older adults and to protect infants, through maternal vaccination.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild cold-like symptoms in adults and children, however the severity of the illness can vary and in infants can cause bronchitis, which can be very serious. RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in the first year of life. Older adults are also more likely to experience hospitalisation.
Commenting, Fiona said,
“The introduction of the RSV vaccinations aims to reduce the burden of this illness across communities and alleviate the pressure from our health service at one of the busiest times of year.
“Pregnant women reaching 28 weeks gestation can be offered up until a baby’s delivery and will be integrated as closely as possible into routine antenatal care.
“Older Adults aged between 74 and 80 will also be offered the vaccination from August 1st.
“Hospital stays can be stressful and upsetting for any patient, but it is especially worrying for parents and families when new babies and older generations are impacted and so I would encourage those eligible to take up the vaccination and ensure a healthier and safer winter season ahead.”
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