RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccine

Posted by: markh - Posted on:

From 1 September 2024 we will be offering RSV vaccine to eligible patients for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

The patients eligible are;

  • all pregnant women from 28 weeks’ gestation
  • adults turning 75 years old
  • adults aged 75 years up until their 80th birthday

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including:

  • cough
  • sore throat
  • sneezing
  • a 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.

How to book

We will contact you to book via a self book link or you can call reception 0207 700 6464 to book your appointment.

How RSV is spread

RSV infections can occur all year round but cases peak every winter.

RSV can spread through coughs and sneezes. You can help to prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze (ideally with a tissue, or else into the bend of your elbow), and you can wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of picking up the virus. Even with these measures it can be difficult to avoid RSV infection.

The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine.

How the RSV vaccine works

Almost all older adults will have had several RSV infections during their life. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection. Unlike the flu vaccine you do not need to have the RSV vaccine every year.

Eligibility for the RSV vaccination

Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine. This is because older adults are more at risk of serious complications from RSV. You can still get the vaccine up to the day before you turn 80.

For the first year of the programme, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024 as part of a catch up programme.

If you are not yet 75 the NHS will invite you for vaccination once you turn 75.

Information for Pregnant Patients – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-programme-information-for-healthcare-professionals/rsv-vaccination-of-pregnant-women-for-infant-protection-information-for-healthcare-practitioners

Information for older adults – https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-vaccination-for-older-adults/your-guide-to-the-rsv-vaccine-for-older-adults