To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans he has to mitigate the potential impact of respiratory syncytial virus infections in winter 2023/24.
Answered on
4 September 2023
There is currently an existing, targeted immunisation programme in place to protect infants at high risk of complications if infected by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
To support the effective management of infection levels, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will monitor weekly levels of RSV and bronchiolitis, a condition associated with RSV in young children. UKHSA also leads public health messaging on social, national, and regional media, highlighting the signs and symptoms of RSV and the steps which can be taken to reduce infections, including reducing risks to babies.