RSV vaccine
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically October to February. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK annually, and for 20 to 30 infant deaths.
RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. It causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year.
You can find out more about the symptoms of RSV on the NHS website.
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.
You are eligible if you are:
- 28 weeks pregnant or more
- aged 75 or over
- aged 65-74 with severe immunosuppression or a chronic respiratory disease (such as poorly controlled asthma, chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis)
- living in a care home for older adults
How to get the RSV vaccine
There are different ways to get the RSV vaccine.
If you’re pregnant
You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.
Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour.
Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.
If you’re aged 75 and over or aged 65-74 (living with severe immunosuppressed or chronic respiratory disease)
Your GP surgery will usually contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.
Find out more on the NHS website – RSV vaccine – NHS (www.nhs.uk).
If you live in a care home for older adults
Speak to a member of staff at your care home or your GP surgery about how to get the RSV vaccine. Your GP surgery may contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.