Older adults are urged to look out for their invitation letters as the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme starts later this summer.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system and can cause conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, which can lead to hospitalisation.

After recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, steps have been taken by Public Health Scotland (PHS), the Scottish Government, and NHS boards to roll out Scotland’s RSV vaccination programme to protect newborns, infants, and older adults.

Appointments will start in August and will include the elderly and pregnant women.

Those turning 75 on and between August 1, 2024, and July 31, 2025, will be the first to receive invitations.

It will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 on August 1 as part of the ‘catch up’ programme.

Dr Nicholas Phin, director of Public Health Science at PHS, said: "Vaccinations have played a major role in protecting the health of people across the globe over the last 50 years.

"The launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step forward to protect the health of the population."

More than 1,000 adults aged 75 and above were diagnosed with RSV in Scotland, with more than half (535) having to be hospitalised.

Last year, 1,516 infants were hospitalised due to RSV, making it the leading cause of emergency respiratory admissions in Scotland among infants.

Dr Mike Coates, a GP, said: “I’m delighted that there is now going to be a vaccination programme in Scotland to help some of those who are most at-risk from getting an RSV infection.

“If you are eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to protect yourself or your newborn baby from RSV and any potentially serious illness it can bring. For older adults who will receive a letter in the post, I would strongly encourage you to read the information and attend the appointment to get your RSV vaccine.” 

Justine Craig, chief midwifery officer of Scotland, said: “I encourage pregnant women to take up appointments for RSV vaccination, and discuss with their midwife, to protect their babies from the virus during the first weeks and months of life.

“RSV is one of the leading causes of hospitalisation in a baby’s first year of life and this vaccine could save lives.

“Vaccinations will be in place from early next month to maximise the benefit to pregnant women and their babies ahead of winter.”