RSV Vaccine

The RSV vaccine provides protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common infection that can cause serious illness in babies and older adults. On the NHS, it is available if you are pregnant, aged between 75 and 79, or if you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024

Purpose of the RSV Vaccine

The vaccine lowers the risk of infections caused by RSV, a virus that often leads to coughs and colds. Most people are infected multiple times during their life, and while it usually clears up on its own, in vulnerable groups—particularly infants and older adults—it can cause severe conditions such as:

• Pneumonia (lung infection)
• Bronchiolitis (chest infection in babies)

These illnesses may result in dangerous breathing difficulties, sometimes requiring hospital care, and can be life-threatening. RSV can also worsen symptoms in people with long-term lung conditions like COPD. The vaccine helps reduce the risk of developing such serious complications.

Who Can Get the RSV Vaccine

You are eligible for a free NHS vaccination if you are:

• 28 weeks pregnant or more – recommended in every pregnancy to protect your newborn after birth.
• Aged 75 to 79
• Turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024

How to Get Vaccinated

For pregnant women:
You will usually be offered the vaccine around your 28-week antenatal appointment. Getting vaccinated from 28 weeks onwards provides the best protection for your baby, though it can be given later, even up to the time of labour. If you haven’t been offered the vaccine, speak to your GP or maternity team.

For older adults (75–79 or turned 80 after 1 September 2024):
You can book an appointment with your GP surgery, or they may contact you by letter, text, phone, or email. You don’t need to wait to be contacted before arranging vaccination.

At a pharmacy (selected areas only):
In parts of Essex, Suffolk, Lancashire, Merseyside, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands, eligible groups can receive the vaccine for free at certain pharmacies. Appointments can be booked online, and some locations also accept walk-ins.

How the Vaccine is Given

• Administered as an injection in the upper arm.
• Available all year round, unlike flu or COVID-19 vaccines.
• Pregnant women should receive it in every pregnancy, ensuring each baby is protected for the first six months of life.
• Older adults only need one dose, which provides protection for several years.

Having the Vaccine with Other Vaccines

• Pregnant women can receive it alongside other pregnancy vaccines like flu or whooping cough, though it’s best not to delay.
• For older adults, it is not usually given with the flu vaccine but can be combined if advised by a healthcare professional.
• It can safely be given with COVID-19, shingles, or pneumococcal vaccines.

Who Should Avoid the Vaccine

Most eligible people can have the RSV vaccine. The only restriction is if you’ve previously had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to this vaccine or one of its ingredients.

If you are unwell with a high temperature, it’s better to wait until you feel better before vaccination.

Ingredients

The NHS currently offers one type of RSV vaccine (Abrysvo). Full ingredient details are listed in the patient leaflet available on the Electronic Medicines Compendium website.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects are generally mild and temporary, including:

• Pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle aches or body pains

Serious reactions are extremely rare. Vaccinators are trained to handle severe allergic responses immediately. In very rare cases, older adults may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nerve condition that causes numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness.

However, the risks of RSV itself are far greater than the risks of side effects, making the vaccine a safer choice.

Safety in Pregnancy

Research confirms the RSV vaccine is safe during pregnancy and offers important protection for newborns. Thousands of pregnant women worldwide have already been vaccinated without safety concerns.