Respiratory infection vaccine to be rolled out

The vaccine will be offered to certain groups from September

A vaccine to protect babies and older adults against a common but potentially dangerous respiratory infection is set to be rolled out on the Isle of Man.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but can lead to pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Manx Care will offer the jabs to pregnant women and those aged between 75 and 79 years old from September.

It follows the introduction of similar schemes in Scotland, England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The health care body said the eligible groups were "at the greatest risk from RSV, based on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation".

Manx Care said: "Despite infecting around 90% of children within the first two years of life, RSV is relatively unknown among the public."

"However, it can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis and is a leading cause of infant mortality globally," it said.

'Challenging winter months'

For most people, RSV causes a mild respiratory illness with cold-like symptoms.

The island's health care body said unlike some other vaccines, such as those for seasonal flu, the RSV vaccine is given all year round and "older adults only need one dose to protect them for several years".

"These programmes will save lives and significantly reduce the impact on Manx Care services during the challenging winter months", it added.

Those eligible will receive invitations from Manx Care to attend a vaccination appointment.