RSV vaccination
The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill.
Who should have the RSV vaccine
You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:
- you're 28 weeks pregnant or more - the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're born
- you're aged 75 to 79
- you turned 80 years old after 1 September 2024.
From April, people aged 80-years-old and over and residents in care homes for older adults will also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Adults aged 75-years-old and over who have not previously received a single dose of RSV vaccine may also be offered the vaccine.
What the RSV vaccine is for
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.
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.
Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
There are different ways to get the RSV vaccine. Find information about the vaccine for pregnant women and older adults.