Some Midlands pharmacies have been selected to begin offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England. Every year thousands of older adults and babies are hospitalised for RSV. The RSV vaccine which helps protect against serious lung infection is now available in the West Midlands, in pharmacies across Birmingham and Solihull, and the Black Country.

The NHS is encouraging people to speak to their local pharmacy about the vaccine which is part of a drive to make the vaccination more accessible and convenient for people at risk. Those eligible include adults aged 75-79 and pregnant women and so far, over 378,000 people in the Midlands have taken up the offer of the vaccine.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, with most people getting it several times during their life. It usually gets better by itself, but in some people, especially babies and older adults, it can cause illnesses such as pneumonia – a lung infection and bronchiolitis – a chest infection that affects babies. These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse for people with a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). The vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Richard Seal, Regional Chief Pharmacist said “Offering the RSV vaccine in pharmacies is another important step in making healthcare easier to access for the people who need it the most. Pharmacies are trusted local health hubs, and this expansion will help protect more people from serious illness.”

Minhal Master, Pharmacist at Laser Pharmacy in Birmingham said “Making the RSV vaccine available here means our patients can protect themselves and their loved ones, easily, at a convenient location and without having to wait for a GP appointment.

Pharmacists are in a great position to offer convenient, expert care. Our patients and customers are confident in our advice, care and treatment, and no longer see us as just a place to pick up their prescription.

We make the most of every interaction with our patients, using each one as an opportunity to have a conversation about their health, and how our additional services can benefit them, even saving them a trip to their GP.

We have a private consultation room, and patients can even walk in, and be seen on the same day at times.”

You can find out more about the vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/rsv-vaccine.

ENDS