RSV Vaccination Posted or Updated on 19 Sep 2024

What is RSV?

It 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.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

RSV may cause a cough or a cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever. Most cases are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks. It can also cause bronchiolitis in infants, which can make it difficult to breathe and feed. RSV bronchiolitis symptoms may include difficult, fast or noisy breathing and being unsettled or difficult to comfort.

The Saddlers Health Centre are now offering patients aged 75-79 and pregnant women (28 weeks or more).  The surgery will be in touch over the next few weeks for those currently eligible to arrange their appointment.

Key messages – pregnant women and older adults

Older adults

• A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection
• Everyone turning 75 years old on or after the 1 September 2024 will be offered a single dose of RSV vaccine
• The vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 to 79 years on 1 September 2024
• Your GP surgery will contact you to offer you an RSV vaccination appointment if you are eligible
• RSV vaccine is given all year round.

Maternal

• From 17 September 2024, pregnant women can have a vaccine to help protect their babies against RSV
• You should get your free RSV vaccine when you reach 28 weeks of pregnancy. You should speak to your maternity service or GP surgery to get your vaccine
• Studies have shown the RSV vaccine is very safe for you and your baby
• A vaccine is needed in every pregnancy to give your new baby the best protection
• A single dose of vaccine will help boost protection as you reach an age group at highest risk of serious RSV infection.