Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including cough, sore throat, sneezing and runny or blocked nose. It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves. Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die. RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system. RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for small babies and for older people.
From 1 September 2024, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations will be available to older adults and pregnant women. The vaccination for pregnant women is given to protect the baby when born.
RSV Vaccination for older adults
People aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be invited to receive their RSV vaccination with their GP, and those turning 75 after this date will also receive an invitation from their GP once eligible. This vaccination will be routinely offered to those adults turning 75 from September 2025.
Download this leaflet: RSV vaccine for adults (publishing.service.gov.uk)
RSV Vaccination for Pregnant Women
From the 1 September 2024, pregnant women will be offered the vaccination when they are around 28 weeks pregnant. Having the vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this will help build a good level of antibodies to pass on to the baby before birth. This will give the baby the best protection, including if they are born early.
Download this leaflet: RSV vaccine and pregnancy (publishing.service.gov.uk)
Find out more about RSV on the NHS website.