Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of respiratory illness in the UK but is relatively unknown to the public. 

On 01 September 2024, a new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme will be introduced.
The vaccination programme will save lives and significantly reduce the burden on the NHS during the challenging winter months.


Who is eligible for the vaccine?
You'll be able to get the vaccine if:

•    you're aged 75 to 79
•    you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born

 

When can I get the RSV vaccine?

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination will be introduced from 01 September 2024.

Where can I get the RSV vaccine?

If you're aged 75 to 79, your GP practice will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted. If you have not been contacted by 01 October 2024, please speak with your GP practice.

From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more.

 

What are the symptoms of RSV?

Symptoms of RSV usually start within a few days of getting infected.

Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

•    a runny or blocked nose
•    sneezing
•    a cough
•    tiredness
•    a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.

If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

•    a cough that gets worse
•    faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
•    difficulty feeding or eating
•    noisy breathing (wheezing)

Cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children. They're not usually a sign of anything serious and should get better within a few days. But get medical help if you're worried your child is seriously ill.

How is RSV spread?

RSV is spread in the coughs and sneezes of someone who has the virus.

There are some things you can do to reduce your chances of getting it or spreading it to anyone else, such as:

•    wash your hands and your child's hands often
•    wash or wipe down toys and clean surfaces regularly
•    avoid sharing things like cutlery and cups
•    use disposable tissues and throw them away as soon as you've used them
•    keep newborn babies away from anyone with a cold or the flu – especially if they were born prematurely or have serious health conditions

Further information

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically October 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.

Who is at risk?

RSV can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly.

Severe RSV is most common in infants under 1 year old. Babies are particularly vulnerable to RSV lung infections as they have small airways and have limited immunity against the  virus. RSV infection in infants can cause a condition called bronchiolitis which is  inflammation and blockage of the small air tubes in the lung.

Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal. 

How can I protect my baby from RSV?

The best way to protect babies against RSV infection is for the mother to have the vaccine during pregnancy. This will be available from September 2024.

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first six  months of life.

The vaccine boosts the pregnant woman’s immune system to make antibodies that can fight  RSV infection. These antibodies then pass through the placenta to help protect the baby  from birth.

The vaccine is offered from week 28 of pregnancy, often by maternity services. If you haven’t  been offered the vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment, contact  your maternity service to make an appointment. Having the RSV vaccine in week 28 or within a few weeks of this gives the best protection for the baby, including if they are born  early.

Having the vaccine later in the pregnancy will still provide some protection from infection and reduce the risk of spreading infection to the newborn baby. If it wasn’t possible to have a dose earlier, it can be given right up until you have the baby. 

Is more than one dose of RSV vaccine needed?

Pregnant women should have the RSV vaccine in every pregnancy – this will give your new baby the best protection.

In older adults, a single dose is expected to give good protection for a few years. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection.

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