Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness, and is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly.

The virus can lead to pneumonia and infant bronchiolitis, which can require hospitalisation and intensive care in severe cases.

The new RSV vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to protect lives and ease winter pressures for the NHS.

We strongly encourage women who are 28 or more weeks pregnant to speak to their maternity service or GP surgery to ensure their baby is protected, and those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their vaccine when they are invited.

Information for pregnant women:

• From September 2024, pregnant women can have a vaccine to help protect their babies against RSV
• You should get your free RSV vaccine when you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. You should speak to your maternity service or GP surgery to get your vaccine
• Studies have shown the RSV vaccine is very safe for you and your baby
• A vaccine is needed in every pregnancy to give your new baby the best protection

Information for older adults:

• A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection
• Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine
• The vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024
• Your GP surgery will contact you to offer you an RSV vaccination appointment if you are eligible
• The RSV vaccine is given all year round

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.