RSV Vaccine
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 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.
How RSV is spread
RSV infections can 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 (ideally with a tissue, or else into the bend of your elbow), 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 the RSV vaccine works
Almost all older 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 highest risk of serious RSV infection. Unlike the flu vaccine you do not need to have the RSV vaccine every year.
NHS Eligibility for the RSV vaccination
The RSV vaccine is being offered to everyone age 75 years and older. This is because older adults are more at risk of serious complications from RSV. There is no upper age limit.
People living in care homes for older adults. This is because of the risk of serious RSV outbreaks. Most residents will already be eligible because of their age, but adults younger than 75 but living in a care home for older adults are also eligible.
Pregnant women are also being offered the vaccine to protect their babies from RSV. You can read the guide to the RSV vaccine for pregnant women here: RSV for pregnant women.