OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.
Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who was hospitalised with pneumonia but is being told they’re not yet eligible for the RSV jab.
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Q) LAST November, I had pneumonia and spent time in hospital. I’ve had a lifelong susceptibility to colds and chest infections, and this was not my first brush with pneumonia.
Before I was discharged, I was told it had developed from a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection.
Recently I heard that an RSV jab had become available. I consulted one of our GPs about having the jab, but she was adamant that I was not eligible because I am not yet 75.
I am 74 and live alone. I tried to reason with the doctor, but she would not accept my arguments.
I am now very anxious and dread the winter. How can I convince the doctors of my vulnerability?
A) I agree that it would make sense for you to have your RSV jab a year early.
Unfortunately under the current NHS guidelines, high-risk older adults generally only become eligible for the RSV vaccine on their 75th birthday, and are not eligible for the NHS-funded vaccine before that age, regardless of clinical need or the doctor’s discretion.
You’re advocating strongly for your health and that’s absolutely the right thing to do, but your GP is required to stick to the eligibility criteria even if they would vaccinate you early if they could.
There is the option of paying privately to get vaccinated earlier, but you’re looking at £220.
Alternatively, book in on, or shortly after your next birthday.
You can discuss other RSV preventive measures with your GP.
I’m sorry it’s not the answer you wanted, but hopefully understanding that it is out of your GP’s hands will alleviate some of your frustration.
Symptoms of RSV
PEOPLE commonly show symptoms of the virus four to six days after being infected.
Signs include:
- Runny nose
- Decrease in appetite
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Wheezing
But symptoms can be much more subtle in very young babies, including irritability, decreased activity and breathing difficulties.
Most children will have had an RSV infection by their second birthday.
It can cause a condition called bronchiolitis in babies and young children.
Symptoms of bronchiolitis in very young infants include:
- Refusal to breastfeed or bottle-feed
- Breathing more quickly and noisily (wheezing)
- Seeming very tired, upset or inactive
- Signs of dehydration – lack of tears when crying, little or no urine in their nappy for six hours, and cool, dry skin
Source: CDC, Asthma + Lung UK
