Thousands of elderly people could be at risk of life-threatening heart problems unless the Government approves the use of a new jab on the NHS, experts fear.
Ministers were advised by doctors almost 18 months ago to roll out a vaccine against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Although the bug is mainly found in babies, it also affects the elderly, killing around 4,000 people over 75 in Britain every winter from complications such as pneumonia. However, no plans have yet been announced to introduce the jab.
Alarming new research showing that RSV infection can lead to potentially fatal heart complications in the elderly has led to renewed calls to soon make the vaccine available to about 5.5 million elderly people.
Alarming new research showing that RSV infection can lead to potentially fatal heart complications in the elderly has led to renewed calls to soon make the vaccine available to about 5.5 million elderly people (Stock Image)
The data, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, looked at more than 6,000 older US patients in their 70s diagnosed with RSV between 2014 and 2023.
A fifth suffered a serious heart crisis related to the disease – usually sudden heart failure.
The heart risks were even greater in those who already had heart disease, such as high blood pressure or blocked arteries.
RSV is spread by large droplets and the virus can survive on surfaces for up to seven hours.
A vaccine – called Arexvy – has been approved for use in Britain in adults aged 60 and over. Research shows that it is at least 80 percent effective in preventing RSV infections.
Professor Adam Finn, an infectious disease expert and professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It has been known for some time that RSV infection can manifest as heart failure. This research adds further evidence of the severity of this infection in old people, especially those with underlying heart disease.
“I am optimistic that we will implement a vaccine program against RSV this year. I hope that the disruption caused by the election will not jeopardize that in any way.”
The Ministry of Health says it is working on the full business case, with the aim of finalizing an agreement in time for the start in the autumn.