Oxfordshire residents are being encouraged to receive their respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine ahead of winter.

The NHS in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West is urging those eligible to get their free jab against RSV, a leading cause of infant deaths worldwide.

The virus is a common cause of coughs and colds that can lead to severe lung infections like pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which are highly dangerous to older people and young children.

The NHS has already started vaccinating pregnant women and older adults, including those who turn 75 on or after September 1.

Rachael Corser, chief nursing officer at the NHS Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, and Berkshire West Integrated Care Board, said: "Winter is always a busy time for the NHS and for the first time we are now offering the RSV vaccine to a wider cohort of eligible patients, helping to protect the lives of those most vulnerable and ease pressures across the NHS as winter approaches.

"Many people are still unaware of the virus, which can sometimes lead to severe lung infections.

"Receiving the vaccine during every pregnancy is the best way to protect your baby against RSV.

"All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on September 1 are being offered the vaccine by their maternity care provider.

"Older adults aged 75 and over should take up the offer when they are invited by their GP surgery."