Taylor Morris
Senior Researcher, The Health Policy Partnership
Respiratory syncytial virus can cause severe illness and death, especially in infants and older adults. Fortunately, new immunisations are already here – and saving lives.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in infants under one,1 leading to around 20,000 hospitalisations in the UK each year. 2
RSV impacts children and older adults alike
Nearly all children have had RSV by their second birthday; they usually experience cold or flu-like symptoms. The virus can also be severe. In the UK, an estimated 20–30 infants die each year from RSV. 2
Older adults, especially those with underlying health conditions, are also at increased risk. They may experience longer and more serious illness than younger people.3 In Wales, RSV is estimated to cause 400–600 deaths a year among older adults.4
Older adults, especially those
with underlying health conditions,
are also at increased risk.
RSV contributes to pressures on the NHS
The NHS faces increased demand each winter for many reasons, including flu, Covid-19 and RSV. Of these, RSV is by far the most common cause of hospitalisations among infants under one.2 In the winter of 2022/23, there were more than three times as many hospitalisations for RSV as for flu in this age group.5
The impact of RSV in adults is more difficult to measure, but older adults who are hospitalised with the virus spend around 10 days in hospital.6,7 Most of these people also need further care after they are discharged.
Immunisations can prevent RSV and protect health systems
Until recently, there were no RSV treatments or immunisations available. However, several new immunisations have prevented serious RSV and related hospitalisations in clinical trials and real-world settings. One of these has been introduced in the UK for pregnant people and older adults. Like other vaccines given during pregnancy, it protects infants and lasts for up to six months.
The impact of RSV vaccination will become apparent in time, but evidence suggests it could significantly reduce winter pressures and prevent hundreds of deaths. While commentary on the value of prevention often focuses on non-communicable diseases, preventing infectious diseases is equally important for protecting health systems and society from the effects of ill health.
[1] NHS UK. 2024. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). [Updated 5 July 2024]. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/ [Accessed 31 October]
[2] UK Health Security Agency. 2024. New RSV vaccine could prevent 5,000 infant hospitalisations. [Updated 13 August 2024]. Available from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-rsv-vaccine-could-prevent-5000-infant-hospitalisations
[3] Morris T, Carswell O, Tate J. 2023. Policy priorities for protecting adults at risk of severe illness from RSV. London: The Health Policy Partnership
[4] Public Health Wales. 2024. New vaccine for babies and older adults in Wales will save lives. [Updated 2 September ]. Available from: https://phw.nhs.wales/news/new-vaccine-for-babies-and-older-adults-in-wales-will-save-lives/#:~:text=RSV%20causes%20between%20400%2D600,the%20first%20time%20in%20Wales.
[5] Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. 2023. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation programme for infants and older adults: JCVI full statement 11 September 2023. United Kingdom: GOV.UK
[6] Loubet P, Lenzi N, Valette M, et al. 2017. Clinical characteristics and outcome of respiratory syncytial virus infection among adults hospitalized with influenza-like illness in France. Clin Microbiol Infect 23(4): 253-59
[7] Kestler M, Muñoz P, Mateos M, et al. 2018. Respiratory syncytial virus burden among adults during flu season: an underestimated pathology. J Hosp Infect 100(4): 463-68
