Over 1000 appointments have been made in the first week as pharmacies in parts of Suffolk and Essex are the first in the country to offer the new NHS respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination, making it even easier for pregnant women or older people in these areas to get protected from potentially serious illnesses.

The NHS is contacting people aged 75 to 79 years (or recently turned 80) to offer them the RSV vaccination, which is being offered by GPs nationwide – and also now by walk-ins at many pharmacies in Suffolk and North East Essex and Mid and South Essex. As the new service began, over 90 RSV vaccinations have already been given in pharmacies.

RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the lungs. Symptoms include a cough, sore throat and cold. Most people get better on their own, but older people are at increased risk of serious illness. Every year, thousands of people in this age group need hospital care for RSV infection. RSV can make it difficult to breathe and can lead to severe problems like pneumonia. In some cases, it can be life-threatening.

Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “This year, for the first time ever, we are offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk to fight against this serious respiratory illness, with bronchiolitis and serious lung infections potentially caused by RSV.

“It’s great news that it’s now even easier for many in Suffolk and Essex to get protected quickly at their local pharmacy. While RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that if you are eligible that you take up your NHS offer with your GP or with a participating pharmacy as soon as possible.

“Booking your vaccinations helps the NHS to protect the lives of the most vulnerable and at-risk groups and to ease pressures across the NHS over the busy winter months.”

To get your RSV vaccination at a pharmacy in your area now:

• Book a pharmacy appointment at www.nhs.uk/book-rsv
• Find a pharmacy walk-in service in parts of Suffolk and Essex at www.england.nhs.uk/rsv-east
• Or you can attend your GP surgery when they offer you an appointment.

This month, for the first time ever, the NHS is also offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women from 28 weeks so that protection can pass to their babies from birth. Adults aged 75-79 can also get an RSV vaccination now.

Providing the RSV vaccine through a number of pharmacies in the East of England marks an important step forward to making it more convenient for those aged 75-79 to book and attend their vaccination appointments.

You only need one dose of the RSV vaccine for good, long-term protection. It is more effective to have your RSV vaccination on a different day to your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. If you have already booked or had your RSV vaccination, you do not need to do anything else. Having your RSV vaccination will reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms. Read more at www.nhs.uk/rsv-vaccine. For a guide to RSV vaccination for older adults, visit www.gov.uk/rsv-vaccine. For information in easy read and other languages and formats, go to www.england.nhs.uk/rsv-invites.

People eligible for the RSV vaccine will be contacted by their GP and invited to attend a vaccination appointment. For the first time, eligible people in Suffolk and North East Essex and Mid and South Essex, will also be able to walk into certain local community pharmacies and get the vaccination, or book a pharmacy appointment online. For details of the community pharmacies in Suffolk and North East Essex and Mid and South Essex where the RSV vaccine will be available, visit www.england.nhs.uk/rsv-east.

People over 65 and with underlying conditions will also be able to get their flu and COVID-19 jabs from 3 October, with online bookings already open. People eligible from 3 October include:

• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.