RSV Vaccination

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.

It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses, such as:

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who should have the RSV vaccine

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:

  • you're 28 weeks pregnant or more - the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're born

  • you're aged 75 or over

  • you're aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or have a long-term lung condition (this does not include asthma that is under control)

  • you live in a care home for older adults

Please contact your GP for RSV vaccinations for ages over 65

See our maternity vaccinations page for Maternity RSV

Was this page helpful?

Was this page helpful?
Rating

Please answer the question below, this helps us to reduce the number of spam emails that we receive so that we can spend more time responding to genuine enquiries and feedback. Thank you.

*