Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

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From 1st September 2024 an older adults and maternal RSV vaccination programme has been announced.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life. It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses such as:

  • pneumonia (a lung infection)
  • bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting RSV can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who is eligible?

All people who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, can receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant people will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will also be eligible for the vaccination programme and can receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday. Adults will remain eligible until the day before their 80th birthday.

For further information, please see the following links:

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): maternal vaccination – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

To book a vaccination, please call the surgery on 01983 871828.