The NHS in the North West is introducing vaccinations against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as part of its impending winter preparations, signifying a first in its history.

The virus, which is a leading cause of infant mortality globally, is a common cause of coughs and colds, but can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, posing high risk to older adults and young children.

Intending to protect the most vulnerable, the NHS will be vaccinating pregnant women and older adults, including those turning 75 from September 1 onwards.

The organisation is also set to roll out a one-off 'catch-up' plan, extending the offer to individuals aged 75 to 79 to ensure the older age group remains safeguarded as the chilly months draw closer.

Staff from vaccination and maternity teams across the region have orchestrated vaccination services to facilitate pregnant women's easy access to the life-saving jab at any point from their 28th week of pregnancy up until birth.

Women are encouraged to discuss the vaccine with their maternity service, or alternatively, seek vaccination by request at their GP practice.

Older adults will be invited for the vaccination by their GP practice.

Research conducted across the globe on thousands of women vaccinated against RSV has shown a considerable reduction in the risk of severe lung infection - around 70 per cent in the first six months of life.

The NHS has set its sights on all-year-round jab offers starting this week.

The regional medical director for primary care at NHS England North West, Dr Paula Cowan, said: "I'm so pleased that we are now able to offer the first ever RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk – helping to protect the lives of those most vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.

“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you – and while RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered by the NHS.

“Thank you to the NHS team who have worked incredibly hard to make this groundbreaking vaccination rollout possible.”

Michelle Waterfall, deputy chief midwife at NHS England North West, underlined the importance of the vaccine.

She said: “Vaccines in pregnancy are safe and effective and are a vital way to protect babies, women and families.

“This vaccine is one of four maternal vaccines offered to pregnant women.

"So, if you are pregnant, please speak to your midwife or maternity provider about getting the RSV vaccine as soon as possible from 28 weeks, as this will provide your baby with the greatest protection and it also means if your baby is born early, they will be protected.”

Statistics are troubling: There was an average of 146 young children in hospital each day at the peak in winter last year (w/e December 3), up 11 per cent on the peak observed during the previous winter (132) from the same time in late November.

A study in the Lancet shows the new programme could help the North West avoid 628 infant hospitalisations and prevent 1,885 A&E attendances — a significant step to alleviate winter pressures.

The same modelling also suggests the adult's catch-up programme could prevent roughly 335 hospital admissions, avert 2,112 GP visits, and sidestep approximately 7,701 RSV illnesses in the older age group.

The NHS is gearing up for other vaccination programmes for viruses causing the most harm in winter, including the flu and Covid-19.

The RSV vaccine has been approved by medicines regulators in the UK, Europe and the USA, as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Thousands of women have already had the vaccination in other countries, including more than 100,000 in the USA.