NHS data shows there were 36 deaths in under-18s from RSV in England last winter but it added the vaccine reduced hospitalisation rates by 85%, external.
About 104,000 hospitalisations were estimated to have been avoided across England in 2025 and over 2.2 million people received their flu jab in South West over the winter, the data also said.
Dr Julie Frier, a consultant in public health and screening and immunisation lead for NHS England South West, said: “Flu can be a serious illness, so it is important you protect yourself and those around you by getting your jab done.”
The South West has the best take-up in the UK for the vaccine, at 72.5%, but Pritchard said there was some scepticism about vaccination.
“Most people don’t know much about RSV, so we try and give them as much information as we can,” she said.
“There is also a bit more scepticism about vaccines these days so we’re on hand to offer any reassurance and advice.”