Pharmacy giant Boots has launched a private RSV vaccination service for patients who cannot get it on the NHS.
It comes amid fears of a possible quad-demic this winter, with respiratory syncytial virus, flu, norovirus and Covid-19 all in circulation.
The virus is responsible for around 30,000 hospital admissions for children under five and 9,000 for pensioners over 75 in Britain each year.
The UK Health Security Agency warned last week that RSV activity has continued to rise this year and is circulating above normal levels.
The number of emergency room visits for acute bronchiolitis, a respiratory infection that affects babies and children under the age of two, rose nationally last week, it added.
The virus is usually not serious, with common symptoms including high temperature, runny or stuffy nose, coughing and sneezing.
But some infants and older adults are at increased risk for complications that could potentially lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
The NHS is currently offering a free RSV vaccination for patients aged 75 to 79 and women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant.
Pharmacy giant Boots has launched a private RSV vaccination service for patients who cannot get it on the NHS
The UK Health Security Agency warned last week that RSV activity has continued to rise this year and is circulating above normal levels
The NHS is currently offering a free RSV vaccination for patients aged 75 to 79 and women who are more than 28 weeks pregnant
The Boots service provides an option for others who are not eligible 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 aged 60 or over or for women aged 18 or over who are between weeks 28 and 36 of pregnancy.
The retail giant is the first chain to offer the service in addition to flu and Covid shots.
RSV is a respiratory virus that is most common during the winter period as people tend to spend more time indoors and around others.
Claire Nevinson, chief pharmacist at Boots, said: ‘RSV can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening for certain people.
‘The private vaccination service is a great option for those who don’t qualify for the NHS but still want to protect themselves.
“Overall, vaccination is one of the best ways to 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 possibly longer.
For people aged 60 and over, RSV is not usually given at the same appointment as the flu or Covid-19 vaccinations, but this can be done on the advice of a doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
Pregnant women can receive the RSV shot at the same time as other pregnancy vaccinations, such as whooping cough and flu.
The Boots service provides an option for others who are not eligible for a jab on the NHS but want to protect themselves or others
The retail giant is the first chain to offer the service in addition to flu and Covid shots
“The private vaccination service is a great option for those who don’t qualify for the NHS but still want to protect themselves,” said Claire Nevinson, lead pharmacist at Boots,
National surveillance programs found that 9.6 percent of samples analyzed in laboratories tested positive for RSV this week, compared to 6.9 percent the week before.
Dr. Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘RSV continues to circulate at higher levels, particularly among people aged 5 years and under, with emergency departments seeing an increase in acute bronchiolitis.
‘Flu has also increased this week and we expect all respiratory diseases to increase in winter.
‘This year, for the first time, vaccination against RSV will be offered to anyone who is 28 weeks or more pregnant to protect their baby, as well as to 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 this will provide the best protection in winter.
‘As we are now seeing increased attendance at emergency departments due to RSV, it is important to know how to recognize the signs.
‘Some of the main symptoms of a serious infection due to RSV are coughing that gets worse, shortness of breath and difficulty eating.
‘You should seek medical attention if you are concerned that your child is seriously ill. Further advice can be found on the NHS website.
‘If you are showing symptoms of flu or COVID-19, such as high fever, coughing and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.
‘Frequently washing your hands and using tissues can reduce the spread of respiratory diseases.’