Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung conditions.
It is common over the winter period, typically November 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.
How to get the RSV vaccination
From September 2024 the NHS will offer a vaccination to protect adults over the age of 75 and pregnant women.
Pregnant women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more should speak to their maternity team or general practice surgery about getting vaccinated – it could save your child’s life.
While those aged 75 to 79 should come forward as soon as they are invited by their GP.