New RSV Vaccine available from September

A new national vaccine programme protecting people against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, will launch in September.

RSV is a common cause of cough and colds. Most children get it at least once before they’re two, and it is usually not serious.

However, some older people and very young children can be at greater risk. RSV can cause lung infections such as bronchiolitis.

Who can get vaccinated and when?

You’ll be able to get the vaccine if:

• you’re aged 75 to 79
• you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they’re born

If you’re aged 75 to 79, your GP surgery will contact you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.

From September, you can speak to your maternity service or GP surgery about getting your RSV vaccination if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more.

Symptoms of RSV

Symptoms of RSV usually start within a few days of getting infected.

Most people only get cold-like symptoms, such as:

• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• a cough
• tiredness
• a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.

If RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as bronchiolitis) it may also cause:

• a cough that gets worse
• faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
• difficulty feeding or eating
• noisy breathing (wheezing)

Cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children. They’re not usually a sign of anything serious and should get better within a few days.

But get medical help if you’re worried your child is seriously ill.