\n 60 community pharmacies across Cheshire, Merseyside, Lancashire and South Cumbria are now offering the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine.\n<\/p>\n
\n The move is part of a national rollout aimed at making the jab more accessible following its introduction through GP practices last year.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dr Linda Charles-Ozuzu, regional director for commissioning at NHS England North West, said: “Offering the RSV vaccine in pharmacies is another important step in making healthcare easier to access for the people who need it the most.\n<\/p>\n
\n “Community pharmacies offer trusted local health advice, guidance and treatment, and this expansion will help protect more people from serious illness.”\n<\/p>\n
\n The vaccine is being offered to adults aged 75 to 79, as well as pregnant women to help protect their babies from RSV.\n<\/p>\n
\n The NHS is encouraging eligible individuals to speak with their local pharmacy about getting vaccinated.\n<\/p>\n
\n More than 240,000 RSV vaccine doses have already been administered across the region.\n<\/p>\n
\n Dr Charles-Ozuzu said the rollout supports the goals set out in the NHS’s new 10-year health plan.\n<\/p>\n
\n She said: “It further reinforces the commitment in the recently published 10-year health plan to bring care closer to home and to prevent illness before it starts.”\n<\/p>\n
\n RSV is a common virus that causes coughs and colds.\n<\/p>\n
\n While it typically resolves on its own, it can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis in babies and older adults.\n<\/p>\n
\n Those with underlying lung conditions, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), are especially at risk.\n<\/p>\n
\n Bruce Prentice, regional pharmacy professional advisor for NHS England North West, said: “Community pharmacists are perfectly placed to provide convenient, expert care on the high street.\n<\/p>\n
\n “More and more people trust us not only for prescriptions, but also for advice, treatment, and vital preventive services.\n<\/p>\n
\n “With a private consultation room and walk-in availability, we\u2019re ready to help when our patients need us, often on the same day.”\n<\/p>\n
\n Mr Prentice said the new service means patients can get protected without booking ahead or waiting for a GP appointment.\n<\/p>\n