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Respiratory Syncytial Virus Vaccine Eligibility Criteria

P003045 - 13 February 2025 to 17 March 2025

Presentations: 2
Presenters: 1
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Brexit

At a Glance

This petition concerning respiratory syncytial virus vaccine eligibility criteria was presented to Parliament 2 times by 1 MP.

Issue Summary

The petition calls for extending the eligibility criteria for free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Shingles vaccines to individuals aged 80 years or older, citing health benefits observed in the United States and European Union.

Action Requested

The House of Commons is urged to take immediate action to seek a reallocation of funds to ensure that the provision of these free vaccine doses is extended to those aged 80 years or older.

Key Facts

  • RSV can cause acute respiratory infection, influenza-like illness, community-acquired pneumonia and lead to death.
  • Shingles can cause decreased vision or permanent blindness.
  • The US and EU provide these vaccines for individuals 80 years of age and over.
  • The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advises the Government on immunisation programmes.
  • JCVI has considered expanding shingles vaccination to adults aged 80 and over but needs more evidence for RSV in this age group.

Presentation Timeline

MPs presented this petition on the following dates. Each card shows the presenters and any recorded remarks.

Presented
17 March 2025
Bambos Charalambous Lab
Southgate and Wood Green
Presented
13 February 2025
Bambos Charalambous Lab
Southgate and Wood Green
People with respiratory illnesses, such as my constituent Jane Wessman, benefit greatly from receiving the free respiratory syncytial virus vaccine and also the shingles vaccine. The arbitrary decision to end eligibility for these vaccines at the age of 80 has a profound effect on those who need it the most. Accordingly, my constituent and others would like to see the age barrier lifted and the vaccines continuing to be available after the age of 80. The petition states: “The petitioners therefore request that the Government take into account the concerns of the petitioners and take immediate action to seek a reallocation of funds to ensure that the provision of the free Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccine dose and Shingles vaccine dose is extended to those individuals who are 80 years of age or older.”
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