Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds.
The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.
What is the RSV Vaccination (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and who is eligible?
From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
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 is 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 does the RSV vaccine work?
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.
Who is Eligibile 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. Pregnant Women from 28 weeks will also be offered the vaccination.
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.
How do I book a vaccination?
Spencer Street Surgery eligible patients will receive a text from us with a booking link to our RSV Clinic.
Please bear in mind that this vaccination cannot be given to the over 75s on the same day as their flu vaccine and it cannot be given to pregnant women on the same day as there whooping cough vaccine ( needs a 2 week gap )