The NHS on Monday urged pregnant woman and older people to get a new jab against RSV as figures showed that nearly 7,000 people in London were hospitalised with the virus in a year.
Analysis by pharmaceutical firm Sanofi found that there were 6,955 patients in hospital with RSV in the capital from April 2022 to March 2023.
The highest number of inpatients was recorded in North East London, with a total of 1,590 admissions, which is 6 per cent higher than the national average.
A total of 395 newborn babies aged between 0 and 28 days were hospitalised during the period in London, according to the figures, while 6,525 children aged between 0 and 4 years were admitted.
Overall, young children made up 93 per cent of all hospital inpatients with RSV.
The total number of RSV admissions has increased by 5.9 per cent compared with the year up to March 2020, the figures show.
Sanofi’s analysis used figures from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data released by the NHS every year.
The figures come as the NHS announced that pregnant women and older people would receive a vaccine against RSV for the first time this winter.
RSV is a leading cause of infant mortality and can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.
A “catch-up” vaccine offer will also be offered to everyone aged 75 to 79 years old to ensure the older age group are protected before winter.
Research shows that vaccination reduces the risk of severe lung infection by around 70 per cent in the first six months of life.
According to the NHS, an average of 146 young children were in hospital with RSV each day at the peak of winter last year, up 11 per cent on the previous year.
Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, said: “After months of preparation from our hardworking staff, for the first time ever we are now offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk – helping to protect the lives of those vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way you can protect yourself and those around you – and while RSV infections can occur all year round, cases usually peak in winter, so it’s important that those eligible take up the offer as soon as possible this autumn when offered by the NHS.”
Professor Dame Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), urged those eligible to take up the jab, along with vaccines for flu and Covid-19.
“UKHSA has provided critical scientific information to evidence the benefits of a national RSV programme and so the rollout of the vaccine is a truly positive moment for the public’s health,” she said.
“Having a new RSV vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable, helping to protect lives as well as ease NHS winter pressures.
“As we head into winter it’s vital all those eligible for vaccinations such as RSV, flu and/or Covid-19 take them up as it is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.”
