The NHS will roll out a breakthrough vaccine to fight the winter cough virus that causes bronchiolitis, which hospitalizes 29,000 children and 18,000 adults every year
- Scientists have said Britons will receive a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine
- NHS data will identify those who can most benefit from the new Moderna jab
- Results show RSV is 84% effective in preventing cough and fever in older adults
Children and vulnerable adults could soon receive a breakthrough vaccine to protect them from one of the most common winter insects.
At a press conference on Friday, scientists announced the first step in vaccinating eligible Britons against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is best known to cause pulmonary bronchiolitis in young people.
Researchers will use NHS data to identify those who would benefit most from the jab, as part of a government-funded project. These patients will then be recommended to receive the vaccine.
It comes a week after trials by pharmaceutical company Moderna showed its RSV vaccine was 84% effective in preventing cough and fever in older people.
Children and vulnerable adults could soon receive a breakthrough vaccine to protect them from one of the most common winter bugs (stock photo)
Similar research was carried out during the Covid pandemic to identify the most at-risk patients to prioritize for the vaccine.
RSV hospitalizes around 29,000 children and 18,000 adults every year – and until now, no effective vaccine was available. Experts involved in the study say rolling out the vaccine will significantly reduce the number of hospitalizations.
“RSV vaccines will be available in due course,” said Professor Aziz Sheikh, a primary care research and development expert at the University of Edinburgh, who is leading the study.
“We are preparing the ground for this. »
The study is part of a one-of-a-kind program that will see the government fund 16 research projects designed to prevent another winter NHS crisis.
Scientists have announced the first stage of vaccinating eligible Britons against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), best known to cause pulmonary bronchiolitis in young people (stock photo)
Other plans include testing whether advanced computer software can reduce ambulance wait times and analyzing the impact of unheated homes on hospital admissions.
The whole program will cost around £800,000 and experts believe results could be seen by March.
“I am all too aware of the huge challenges facing the healthcare system this winter,” said Professor Cathie Sudlow, chief scientist at Health Data Research UK – the UK institute for health data science.
“It is essential that we use data quickly and responsibly to support the NHS. »
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Source : www.dailymail.co.uk
