Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray has praised a recent report highlighting the success of the new RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) vaccine in reducing hospitalisations among older adults in Scotland.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) has published groundbreaking research in The Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal, revealing that the RSV vaccine has led to a remarkable 62% reduction in hospitalisations related to the virus among the 75-79 age group. This significant achievement underscores the effectiveness of the vaccination programme, which was launched last August.
The Scottish Government has invested £4.2 million through health boards to ensure the availability of the vaccine. This initiative followed expert recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which provided scientific advice on the implementation of the programme.
Health Secretary Gray commented:
“Once again we see evidence of the role which vaccinations play in preventing serious illness and keeping people out of hospital.
“We were pleased to be the first nation in the UK to introduce the new RSV vaccine in time to maximise the benefit to the more vulnerable ahead of winter. This research demonstrates just how many people avoided ending up in hospital as a result.
“RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns and infants – potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia.
“It is encouraging to see that by the end of November, 68% of eligible older adults had received their vaccinations and I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called. It is incredibly important for older adults and pregnant women to protect their newborn babies from RSV.”
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause severe illness, particularly in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. The introduction of the RSV vaccine has been a crucial step in protecting vulnerable populations and reducing the strain on healthcare services during the winter months.
The PHS study, conducted in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde, is the first to provide real-world evidence of the vaccine's impact in Scotland. The findings demonstrate that the vaccination programme has not only reduced hospitalisations but also highlighted the importance of continued vaccination efforts to protect older adults from serious respiratory illnesses.
The Scottish Government's investment in the RSV vaccine programme reflects its commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring that the most at-risk populations receive the necessary protection. The programme's success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of health boards, PHS, and the JCVI.
Public Health Scotland continues to work closely with local health boards to promote the uptake of the RSV vaccine among eligible individuals. By the end of November 2024, the vaccine uptake in the older adult population had reached a notable 68%. This high level of participation is crucial for the continued success of the programme and the protection of public health.
The introduction of the RSV vaccine in Scotland has proven to be a vital measure in reducing hospitalisations and protecting older adults from severe respiratory illnesses. The Scottish Government's investment and the collaborative efforts of health boards and Public Health Scotland have been instrumental in the programme's success. Continued promotion and uptake of the vaccine will ensure that more individuals are protected, ultimately contributing to a healthier and safer Scotland.
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