RSV vaccine Posted or Updated on 7 Oct 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

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

Why is it recommended?

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of acute respiratory tract infections which are usually mild and self-limiting. The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing), through close contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms usually include runny nose, cough and fever. For infants, and older adults, the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.

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. The ideal opportunity to offer vaccination would be at the 28-week antenatal contact (ANC), following prior discussion at the 20-week ANC.

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.

We have started contacting eligible patients to book into our dedicated RSV vaccination clinics. If you think you are eligible and havent been contacted, please contact the surgery and a member of the team can check & book you in if your are eligible. 

Further information can be found on the following links:

Maternal

Older adults