Children and vulnerable adults may soon be protected against one of the most frequent winter pests by a groundbreaking vaccine.
Scientists unveiled the first stage in vaccination of eligible Britons against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on Friday during a media conference. RSV is well recognized for causing the lung condition bronchiolitis in children.
As part of a government-funded initiative, researchers will analyze NHS data to identify those who would most benefit from the vaccination. The vaccine will thereafter be recommended to these patients.
It comes a week after Moderna’s clinical studies demonstrated that its RSV vaccine was 84% effective at preventing cough and fever in older persons.
During the Covid pandemic, a similar study was undertaken to identify the patients with the highest risk who should receive the vaccination first.
Approximately 29,000 children and 18,000 adults are hospitalized annually due to RSV, but no effective vaccination is currently available. According to the study’s experts, the introduction of the vaccination will dramatically lower the number of hospitalizations.
‘RSV vaccinations will be available in due course,’ said Professor Aziz Sheikh. An expert in primary care research and development at the University of Edinburgh and the study’s director.
We are laying the foundation for this.
The study is part of a first-of-its-kind initiative in which the government will fund 16 research projects aimed at preventing another winter crisis in the NHS.
Other goals include analyzing the effect of unheated homes on hospital admissions. And determining if improved computer software may reduce ambulance wait times.
The total scheme will cost approximately £800,000, and experts anticipate that benefits will be visible by March.
Professor Cathie Sudlow, head scientist of Health Data Research UK – the UK’s institution for health data research, remarked. “I am acutely aware of the immense challenges facing the hospital system this winter.”
We must utilize data quickly and responsibly to serve the NHS.
