The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is an independent expert committee with statutory basis in England and Wales that advises UK Governments on matters to do with immunisation.
JCVI recognises that there is a significant burden of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) illness in the UK population and unmet public health need which has a considerable impact on NHS services during the winter months. JCVI is issuing a short statement of its advice on an RSV immunisation programme which has been shared with the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to consider developing policy on RSV interventions and to allow sufficient lead in time for the necessary planning for a potential RSV immunisation programme.
JCVI has been monitoring products in development for several years and since January has been actively reviewing the latest evidence on immunisation products in late stages of development or newly licensed which could protect both neonates (newborns) and infants, and older adults against RSV infection and disease. A series of meetings of the JCVI RSV subcommittee have taken place in 2023. JCVI has reviewed evidence from manufacturers on the efficacy, safety and duration of protection of these immunisation products alongside clinical and epidemiological data on the burden of RSV in infants and older adults, and with consideration of programme delivery including ability to deliver high uptake in different population groups and clinical settings. Modelling of the impact and cost effectiveness of potential immunisation strategies by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine has been used to inform JCVI’s advice along with second opinion modelling by other academic groups. Cost effectiveness is a key factor in JCVIs considerations which is used to ensure that the finite resources of the health service are used to maximise the health of the population.
- Recommendation
- Europe
- United Kingdom
- RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus)
