OLDER adults are being encouraged to take up the offer of a vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus with appointments to be offered this summer.

Scotland’s respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme set to begin later this summer with both NHS Forth Valley and Public Health Scotland urging people to look out for invitation letters.

RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system and appointments for the vaccine are set to start during August.

Those turning 75 years old on and between August 1 this year and July 31 in 2025 will be the first to receive invitations.

The vaccine will also be offered to anyone aged between 75 and 79 on August 1 as part of a catch up programme as the vaccine is new to Scotland.

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Dr Nicholas Phin, director of public health science at Public Health Scotland, said: “Vaccinations have played a major role in protecting the health of people across the globe over the last 50 years.

“The launch of Scotland’s new RSV vaccination programme marks another significant step forward to protect the health of the population.

“RSV can be very serious for those who are more vulnerable, such as older people.

“In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in those aged 75 years and over being hospitalised for RSV, which is a concern.

“That’s why we’re asking all those who are eligible for the RSV vaccine to look out for their letter and take up the offer to protect themselves against the more serious complications of an RSV infection.”