RSV Vaccination

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccinations

 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections.

While RSV infection can occur at any age, the risk and severity of RSV and its complications are increased in older adults pregnant women and infants, having a considerable impact on these individuals and NHS services during the winter months.

Following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), in June HM Government announced a vaccination delivery  programme will commence from 1 September 2024, for the protection of older adults, women who are at least 28 weeks pregrant and for infants.

Scroll down for information on the introduction of new NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

A clinician drawing up a vaccine from a vial

The NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - updated August 21st 2024

The UK will become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), protecting infants & older people from becoming seriously ill. RSV accounts for 39,000 hospitalisations each year.

From 1 Sept, vaccination to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be offered to:

  • Pregnant women (over 28 weeks) to help protect newborn babies
  • Adults aged 75+

 

Who is eligible?

Programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.  

In the meantime, a one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity with the aim of completing the majority by 31 August 2025.

In line with JCVI guidance, individuals will remain eligible until their 80th birthday.

 

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine, by the GP Practices in our network. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth. 

 

What happens next?

The Cranborne Practice plans to invite eligible patients to take up the offer a free NHS vaccine from early September.  Please wait to be invited.  

 

Find our more on the UK Health Security Agency website here>>