Will the Cabinet Secretary explain why there is an age limit on receiving the RSV vaccine, given that the vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus, and it is recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79?
In Wales, as in other UK nations, our RSV vaccination programme has been developed in accordance with the scientific evidence and advice issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The JCVI advised that an RSV immunisation programme targeting pregnant women and older adults would protect those at the greatest risk of hospitalisation with more severe RSV. In providing its advice, the JCVI reviewed the latest available evidence including vaccine effectiveness and durability of protection.
The current JCVI advice does not extend beyond the 75 to 79 age cohort as it was concluded there was limited evidence of the vaccine being effective in those aged over 80. The JCVI will monitor and review the vaccine’s effectiveness as more evidence becomes available and we will continue to be guided by its advice.