RSV
Vaccine
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common respiratory virus that infects the lungs and breathing passages. It often causes mild, cold-like symptoms but can be more severe, especially for certain high-risk groups.
Who is Most at Risk:
1.Infants:
Particularly those under 6 months old, because their immune systems are still developing.
2.Older Adults:
Especially those aged 75 and older, because immune function declines with age, making it harder to fight off infections.
3.People With Chronic Conditions:
Individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic lung diseases (like COPD or asthma) are more susceptible to severe RSV infections.
4.Immunocompromised Individuals:
Those undergoing treatments like chemotherapy or who have conditions that weaken the immune system.
RSV can lead to more serious conditions like bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia, especially in the at-risk groups.
The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.
Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round.
If you’re pregnant, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby is protected for the first 6 months after they’re born, when they’re most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV.
Older adults only need 1 dose, which should protect them for several years.
Side effects of the RSV vaccine
The most common side effects of the RSV vaccine are mild and do not last long.
They can include:
- swelling or pain where the injection was given
- a headache
- an aching body
More serious side effects such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare. Talk to your doctor or the person vaccinating you if you’re worried about side effects.
How to access the vaccine:
If you are aged 75 to 79 you will be offered the vaccine by your GP practice. If you are pregnant you will be offered the vaccine around around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.
