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In a collaborative effort, the National Health Services England (NHSE) is set to deliver the RSV(respiratory syncytial virus) vaccination programme where pharmacists alongside other healthcare professionals will play a crucial role in administering the vaccine. The UK Health Security Agency has announced the launch of the new vaccination programme targeting the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), set to begin on 1 September 2024. Along with GPs, NHS England (NHSE) will "commission a number of community pharmacies to deliver the programme", ensuring broad accessibility and coverage to protect two high-risk groups: older adults and pregnant women. RSV is an RNA virus related to mumps, measles, and human parainfluenza viruses. It commonly causes coughs and colds in winter, transmitted through droplets and secretions from close contact with infected individuals. While most RSV infections are mild, infants under six months and the elderly are particularly susceptible to severe diseases like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalisation.

As flu cases surge rapidly, NHS England is urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated by visiting a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine. Latest NHS data shows flu cases in hospitals have quadrupled in just one month, with over 5,000 patients hospitalised with the virus at the end of last week, up from 1,190 on November 29. During the week ending December 29, there were an average of 4,469 flu patients in hospitals each day, nearly 3.5 times higher than the same week last year, including 211 in critical care daily. On Christmas Day, there were 4,102 flu patients in hospitals, and the number surged by nearly a quarter to 5,074 by Sunday, December 29. In addition to the flu, hospitals are facing ongoing pressure from Covid, RSV, and norovirus.