RSV vaccine Posted or Updated on 9 Oct 2024

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's recommended during pregnancy and for adults aged 75 to 79.

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:

• pneumonia (a lung infection)
• bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies)

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

The RSV vaccine is recommended if:

• you're pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect your baby after they're born
• you're aged 75 to 79

If you're aged 80 or over

If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, you're eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.

You're not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 before 1 September 2024.

More information

For further information about RSV and the vaccine please visit the NHS website.