RSV Vaccine

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including cough, sore throat, sneezing and runny or blocked nose.

It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life threatening conditions.

There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves. Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die.

RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.

RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for small babies and older people.

How do you catch RSV?

RSV infection scan occur all year round but cases peak every winter.

RSV can spread through coughs and sneezes. You can help to prevent the spread of the virus by covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze , and you can wash your hands frequently to reduce the risk of picking up the virus.

Even with these measures, it can be difficult to avoid RSV infection. The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine.

How does the vaccine work?

Almost all adults will have had several RSV infections during their life. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach an age group at the highest risk of a serious infection.

Are there any other people eligible for the RSV vaccine?

Preganant women are also being offered the vaccin eto protect their babies from RSV. You can read the guide to the RSV vaccine for pregnant women at: RSV Vaccine for Pregnant Women

Do I need to have the vaccine every year?

No, a single dose is expected to give you good protection for a few years.