Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
RSV is a common illness, especially during winter months, and can be particularly severe in older adults.
For many the symptoms of RSV are mild but it can cause pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions.
From September 2024 all adults aged 75 to 79 years will be contacted by their GP surgery and offered the RSV vaccine to protect themselves.
More information about RSV and the vaccine can be found on the NHS website.
Pneumococcal vaccine
If you are 65 or over, or have a long term health condition you will be invited for the pneumococcal vaccine to help protect you from serious and potentially fatal pneumococcal infections. These infections can lead to pneumonia, sepsis and meningitis. In some cases, pneumococcal infections can lead to permanent brain damage and death.
The pneumococcal vaccine is a single vaccine providing lifetime cover, however if you have an underlying health condition, you may need one every 5 years. The vaccine is inactive therefore it cannot cause the disease it protects against.
Protect yourself and re-assure your loved ones. Speak with your GP practice about having your vaccine today.
Shingles
Shingles is an infection of a nerve and the skin around it. It is caused by the reawakening of the chickenpox virus. Roughly 1 in 4 people who have had chickenpox will go on to develop shingles.
People tend to get shingles more often as they get older and the older you are, the worse it can be. If you are turning 65, aged 70 to 79 years old or aged 50 or over with a severely weakened immune system you are eligible for the shingles vaccine.
Symptoms of shingles include pain, followed by a rash which looks similar to chickenpox. This rash will develop into itchy blisters and after a few days, these blisters will turn into scabs. Pain can vary from mild to severe and may be experienced as a dull, constant or as a burning sensation.
Shingles normally lasts around two to four weeks and usually affects a specific area on just one side of the body. For more information, visit the NHS website.
You’re eligible for the vaccine if you’re turning 65, between 70-79 years of age or aged 50 and over with a severely weakened immune system. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, please contact your GP practice. Remember, the shingles rash can be extremely painful, some sufferers can’t even bear the feeling of their clothes touching the affected skin.
Flu vaccine
The injected flu vaccine is offered free of charge on the NHS to people who are at risk. This is to ensure they are protected against catching flu and developing serious complications.
In the autumn/winter of 2023/24, the following adults are eligible to receive a free flu jab:
- Those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women
- Those aged 65 years and over
- Those in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline health and social care workers