Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

We will be starting our vaccination programme for RSV from 1st September 2024. Our most vulnerable patients will be invited first. If you have received a text message or email inviting you to book an RSV vaccination, please call the reception team on 01986 874618 after 2pm.

We will take a short break between 3rd October and 11th November to complete our Flu/COVID campaign. After this, we will have plenty of appointments for the RSV vaccine and will invite you to make an appointment. Please wait to be contacted.

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.

Eligibility for the RSV Vaccine

You can 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. From September, you can speak to your maternity service about getting your RSV vaccination if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.
  • Children who have a very high risk of getting seriously ill from RSV may be given treatment in the winter to help reduce the risk of RSV causing severe bronchiolitis.

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms 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

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

If RSV leads to a more serious infection, it may cause:

  • A cough that gets worse
  • Faster breathing or longer 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.