Pregnant women and people in Jersey in their late seventies are being invited for a new RSV vaccine to protect against respiratory infections.

Nearly 5,000 islanders are eligible for the jab from today (16 September),

It protects against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) which can cause lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis.

RSV accounts for around 40,000 hospitalisations each year.

Officials in Jersey estimate that vaccination can prevent nearly 100 hospital admissions locally, easing some of the pressure on healthcare services during the busy winter months.

The jab is available to people aged 75-79, and to pregnant women who will be offered it at week 28 to safeguard their unborn baby against RSV.

It can be obtained by booking an appointment at your GP surgery and is offered free of charge.