The rollout of the free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine to selected local pharmacies has been welcomed by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed said it would make it even easier for eligible groups to get protected.
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.
People aged 75 to 79 are already eligible for the free vaccine via their GP, while pregnant women over 28 weeks are also offered the vaccine to help protect their babies from RSV for the first few months after they’re born.
Now, those eligible can visit a participating pharmacy in Wolverhampton to get the RSV vaccine as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England. These include Pennfields Pharmacy, Jeffcock Road, Phoenix Pharmacy, Parkfield Road, Ettingshall Pharmacy, New Street, Bradley Chemist, Hall Green Street, Morrisons Pharmacy, Bilston, and Brutons Pharmacy, Mervyn Place.
More pharmacies will be offering RSV vaccinations soon. If the nearest pharmacy is too far away, contact your GP surgery to get your vaccination.
Councillor Ahmed said: “RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Infections usually get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults, and so it is great news that the NHS is making it as easy as possible for eligible people to get their free RSV vaccine, either from their GP or, now, from a number of local pharmacies.”
Sarah Quinton, Deputy Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, added: “RSV can lead to serious illness, particularly in older adults and pregnant women. Vaccination is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of complications like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
“We’re delighted that the RSV vaccine is now available at selected community pharmacies across the Black Country. Pharmacists are highly trained healthcare professionals, and this expansion means more people can get protected quickly and conveniently, close to home.
“Only one dose is needed for long term protection, and I would encourage anyone eligible to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as possible.”