A new study has shown that a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination program for older adults in Scotland has led to a dramatic reduction in hospital admissions. The program, launched in August 2024, has resulted in a 62% drop in RSV-related hospitalizations among the eligible age group, demonstrating the effectiveness of this health initiative.
Study Highlights Vaccine Success
The research, conducted by the University of Strathclyde in partnership with Public Health Scotland (PHS), offers the first evidence of the program’s impact. The study, published in The Lancet Infectious Diseases, highlights the success of the RSV vaccine in reducing serious illness among those aged 75-79 years.
The study data indicates that the program has already achieved significant results. By the end of November 2024, 68% of eligible individuals in this age group had received the vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccination program is underscored by the steep decline in hospital admissions due to RSV, a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that can be particularly dangerous for older adults.
RSV and Its Impact on Older Adults
RSV is known to cause severe respiratory issues, including pneumonia, and can lead to hospitalizations or even death among vulnerable populations. The virus poses a significant threat to older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions, and it can be particularly dangerous during the colder months.
The vaccination program aims to reduce the burden of RSV-related illness in this high-risk group, offering a single dose of the vaccine that provides protection for multiple years.
Expert Views on the Program’s Effectiveness
Professor Chris Robertson from the University of Strathclyde’s Department of Mathematics and Statistics, who co-led the study, emphasized the program’s rapid success. “Our data shows that the program has had rapid success, not only in the reduction in hospital admissions linked to RSV in the age groups vaccinated but also in the extent of the vaccine uptake,” he said.
Dr. Sam Ghebrehewet, Head of Immunization and Vaccination at PHS, further emphasized the importance of the vaccination program. “This study shows how effective the new RSV vaccine program has been in reducing hospitalizations among those who are more vulnerable to serious complications of an RSV infection,” he remarked. He also pointed out that the vaccine is not only available to older adults but also to pregnant women, underscoring the broader health benefits of the initiative.
Continued Efforts to Ensure High Vaccine Uptake
Public Health Scotland continues to collaborate with local health boards to ensure that as many eligible individuals as possible are vaccinated. “People receiving the vaccination are protecting themselves,” Professor Robertson added, stressing the need for sustained high levels of vaccine uptake to ensure the ongoing success of the program.
Neil Gray, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, also voiced his support for the vaccination program. He urged all eligible individuals to come forward for their vaccine when called, recognizing the serious impact RSV can have on vulnerable populations. “RSV can be very serious for older adults, newborns, and infants—potentially causing lung disease such as pneumonia,” Gray said. “I’d urge all those eligible to come forward for their vaccine when called.”
Ongoing Vaccination Campaigns
While the RSV vaccination program is a crucial step in protecting older adults, it is also being offered to pregnant women to help protect their newborns from serious illness caused by RSV. The continued success of the program will depend on maintaining high levels of participation across all eligible groups.
