NHS emergency departments will be filled with sick babies this winter unless the government sets out its plan to roll out a new jab for common insects, experts have warned.
It’s been almost a year since the government’s vaccination advisory group recommended an immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), best known for causing the lung infection bronchiolitis in children.
There are now three highly effective vaccines that protect patients against the symptoms of the disease – including one given to pregnant women to help protect their children.
However, the government has still not announced plans to roll out an RSV vaccine on the NHS.
Experts are now warning that health officials are running out of time to purchase the shot.
NHS emergency departments will be filled with sick babies this winter unless the government sets out its plan to roll out a new jab for common insects, experts warn (stock photo)
It’s almost a year since the government’s vaccination advisory group recommended an immunization program against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – best known for causing the lung infection bronchiolitis in children (stock image)
RSV hospitalizes approximately 30,000 children and 18,000 adults every year.
Although not usually life-threatening, the disease places a huge burden on the NHS as the majority of these cases usually occur within a six-week period, which can occur between November and February.
It comes after a survey of 150 NHS doctors – carried out last week by drug manufacturer Sanofi – found that three-quarters of clinicians believe RSV in children is putting an ‘unsustainable burden’ on pediatric services and preventing the NHS from carrying out elective procedures to feed.
Almost 100 per cent of respondents agreed that rolling out an RSV vaccine would reduce pressure on the NHS this winter.
In November last year, the charity Asthma and Lung UK called on the Government to administer the jabs ‘as quickly as possible’.
“We need to have this vaccine ready for this winter,” said Professor Harish Nair, chair of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of Edinburgh.
‘These jabs are in high demand around the world, and supply is limited, so it is crucial that the NHS procures them quickly.’
