Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations

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From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

Pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy will also be eligible.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including:

• cough
• sore throat
• sneezing
• a runny or blocked nose

A joint letter from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England sets out the details of the 2 RSV vaccination programmes from 1 September 2024.

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.

We are contacting all eligible patients and inviting them for vaccination. Please take advantage of this free vaccination when you are called and help to protect yourselves, your family, friends and your community!

Published: Sep 2, 2024