Two vital vaccines you | News and events

As winter approaches NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is raising awareness about two free vaccinations which can help with winter respiratory illnesses. The RSV vaccine and the pneumococcal vaccine are both vital for protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia and meningitis.  

RSV is commonly associated with colds and coughs, but it can lead to more severe conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis which can put more vulnerable people such as older adults and very young children at risk. Of the 38,500 people eligible for the RSV vaccine locally, around half have yet to come forward to have their vaccine. The RSV vaccine is offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks, and anyone aged 75-79 years. 

The pneumococcal vaccine helps protect against bacterial infections that can cause illnesses such as meningitis, sepsis and pneumonia. People over 65 are offered this vaccine, and only one dose is needed. Over 40,000 people eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine still have not come forward, leaving them unprotected as colder weather heightens the risk of illness. 

Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service Lead with NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said, “We really want to raise awareness of these two lesser-known vaccines which can both help protect vulnerable people from some nasty illnesses. Both are easily available by contacting your GP practice to book in, and you can have both vaccines at the same time. 

“Coughs, colds, wheeziness and breathlessness all increase over the colder months of the year, sometimes requiring treatment in hospital. But by having these two vital vaccines you can help reduce your risk of getting seriously unwell this winter.” 

For more information, please visit https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators