Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

From 1^st September 2024 an older adults and maternal RSV vaccination programme has been announced.

Why is it recommended?

Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of acute respiratory tract infections which are usually mild and self-limiting. The virus is transmitted via respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing), through close contact with an infected person or contact with contaminated surfaces. Symptoms usually include runny nose, cough and fever. For infants, and older adults, the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation.

Who is eligible?

All people who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, can receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant people will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth. The ideal opportunity to offer vaccination would be at the 28-week antenatal contact (ANC), following prior discussion at the 20-week ANC.

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will also be eligible for the vaccination programme and can receive a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday. Adults will remain eligible until the day before their 80th birthday.

Groups that are eligible for the vaccine

Please Note:  Eligibility for the vaccination is not based on clinical conditions, vulnerability or carer status.  The only eligibility is the age groups as described above.  If you are in the age group or pregnant you will be offered the vaccination.

How will I be invited?

If you’re aged 75 to 79, we will be contacting you about getting vaccinated. Please wait to be contacted.

If you are 28 weeks pregnant, please speak to your midwife or GP surgery who can arrange the vaccination for you.

Q&A

I am 75 on or after 31^st August 2024 and under the age of 80 at the date of my vaccination – YOU ARE ELIGIBLE

I was aged 79 on or after 31^st August 2024 – YOU ARE ELIGIBLE until 31^st August 2025

I was 80 or older on the 31^st August – YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

I am 28 weeks or more weeks pregnant  – YOU ARE ELIGIBLE

I am currently under the age of 75 – YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE – You will be eligible once you have turned 75

I am vulnerable, have a clinical condition, a carer, immunosuppressed, live with someone who has any medical condition or have any other condition – YOU ARE NOT ELGIBLE

I have been asked by the Hospital, Specialist, or any other health care provider to contact my GP surgery to have the vaccine as they have said is it important,  but do not meet the AGE eligibility – YOU ARE NOT ELIGIBLE

Chorleywood Health Centre is not licenced to give the vaccinations to anyone outside the specified age group.  The clinicians, practice manager or any other person internal or external will not be able to make any exceptions.

Can I get the RSV vaccine privately?  Currently Chorleywood Health Centre does not offer private RSV vaccinations. You may be able to obtain paid RSV vaccination at another private health provider.

Can I have the RSV Vaccinations with other Vaccinations?

It is recommended that the RSV vaccine is NOT given at the same time as either or both the Flu Vaccine or Covid vaccine.

The RSV vaccine CAN be given at the same time as the Shingles or Pneumococcal Vaccines

Further information regarding RSV and the vaccination programme please contact the surgery to speak to a member of our team or alternative further information can be found on the following links

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• RSV vaccination of older adults: information for healthcare practioners – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• RSV vaccination of pregnant women for infant protection: information for healthcare practitioners – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Introduction of new NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)