Boots launches private SV vaccination service for patients

Pharmacy giant Boots has launched a private RSV vaccination service for patients who are unable to get it on the NHS.

It comes amid fears of a potential quad-demic this winter, with the respiratory syncytial virus, flu, norovirus and Covid-19 all circulating.

The virus accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under five and 9,000 for pensioners over 75 each year in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency warned last week that RSV activity has continued to rise this year and is circulating above normal levels.

Emergency department attendances for acute bronchiolitis, a chest infection that affects babies and children under two, increased nationally last week, it added.

The virus is not usually serious, with common symptoms including a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, coughing and sneezing.

But some babies and older adults can be at increased risk of complications which can potentially lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The NHS currently offers a free RSV vaccination for patients aged 75 to 79 and women who are over 28 weeks pregnant.

The Boots service provides an option for others who do not qualify for a jab on the NHS but want to protect themselves or others.

It costs £245 and is available in 75 stores nationwide for patients who are aged 60 or over or for women aged 18 or over who are between week 28 and 36 of pregnancy.

The high street giant is the first chain to offer the service alongside flu and Covid jabs.

RSV is a respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period as people tend to spend more time indoors and in close proximity to others.

Claire Nevinson, superintendent pharmacist for Boots, said: 'RSV can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening for certain people.

'The private vaccination service is a great option for those who aren't eligible on the NHS, but still want to protect themselves.

'In general, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and help reduce the spread of the virus to others this winter.'

The RSV vaccine is just a single dose and is expected to provide good protection for at least two years - and potentially longer.

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For people 60 years and over RSV is not usually given at the same appointment as the flu or Covid-19 vaccinations - but they can be if a doctor, nurse or pharmacist advises.

Pregnant women can have the RSV jab at the same time as other pregnancy vaccinations, such s whooping cough and flu.

National surveillance programmes found 9.6 per cent of samples analysed in laboratories tested positive for RSV this week, compared with 6.9 per cent the previous week.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: 'RSV continues to circulate at higher levels, particularly amongst those aged 5-years-old and under, with emergency departments seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis.

'Flu has also increased this week and we expect to see all respiratory illnesses increasing over the winter.

'For the first time this year, vaccination is being offered against RSV for anyone who is 28 or more weeks pregnant to protect their baby, along with people aged 75 to 79 years.

'Ahead of the peak season, those eligible for the flu and COVID-19 vaccines are also reminded to get vaccinated as it offers the best protection heading into winter.

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'As we are now seeing more emergency department attendances caused by RSV, it's important to know how to spot the signs.

'Some of the main symptoms of a serious infection due to RSV include a cough that gets worse, shortness of breath and difficulty feeding.

'You should seek medical help if you're worried your child is seriously unwell and further advice can be found on the NHS website.

'If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.

'Washing your hands regularly and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.'