Thousands of older people could be at risk of heart problems

Thousands of older people may be at risk of life-threatening heart problems unless the Government sanctions the use of a new jab on the NHS, experts fear.

Ministers were advised nearly 18 months ago by medics to roll out a vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Although mostly found in infants, the bug also affects the elderly, killing an estimated 4,000 or so over-75s every winter in the UK from complications such as pneumonia. However, no plans have yet been announced to introduce the jab.

Now alarming new research showing RSV infection can lead to potentially fatal heart complications in the elderly has led to renewed calls for the vaccine to be made available soon to about 5.5 million older people.

The data, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, looked at more than 6,000 elderly US patients in their 70s diagnosed with RSV between 2014 and 2023. 

A fifth suffered a severe cardiac crisis linked to the bug – most commonly sudden heart failure.

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The cardiac risks were even greater in those who already had some element of heart disease, such as high blood pressure or blocked arteries.

RSV is spread by large droplets and the virus can survive on surfaces for up to seven hours.

A vaccine – called Arexvy – has been approved for use in the UK in adults aged 60 and above. Studies show it is at least 80 per cent effective in preventing RSV infections.

Professor Adam Finn, an infectious diseases expert and professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It has been known for some time that RSV infection can present as cardiac failure. This research adds further evidence of the seriousness of this infection in old people, particularly those with underlying heart disease.

‘I’m optimistic that we will see implementation of a vaccine programme against RSV this year. I hope the disruption caused by the election will not jeopardise that in any way.’

The Health Department said it was working through the full business case, with the aim of finalising an agreement in time for an autumn start.