Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination
The RSV vaccine helps protect against infection with RSV, a common virus that can make babies and older adults seriously ill. It's offered on the NHS if you're pregnant or at higher risk of getting seriously ill from RSV.
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.
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 to help protect your baby after they're born
- you’re aged 75 or over
- you're aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or have a long-term lung condition (this does not include asthma that is under control)
- you live in a care home for older adults
How to get the RSV vaccine
If you're pregnant you should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment. Speak to your maternity service or GP practice.
If you’re aged 75 or over your GP surgery will contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.
If you’re aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or long-term lung condition your GP surgery will contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.
If you live in a care home for older adults speak to a member of staff at your care home.
Get vaccinated at a pharmacy
The NHS in Cheshire and Merseyside is offering the RSV vaccine at selected local pharmacies.
You can book an appointment online, or search for a pharmacy where you can get vaccinated.
Find out if you can get a free RSV vaccination at a pharmacy near you
If you don’t live in the areas below, or if your nearest pharmacy offering the RSV vaccine is too far away, please contact your GP practice to arrange an appointment.
You can find out more about the RSV vaccine at www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/rsv-vaccine.