RSV - respiratory syncytial Posted or Updated on 7 Sep 2024

RSV -  respiratory syncytial virus

RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in autumn. Globally, RSV infects up to 90% of children within the first 2 years of life and frequently reinfects older children and adults. Babies under one year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of being hospitalised. The RSV vaccination programme will help protect the most vulnerable whilst also reducing the pressure felt by the NHS during the winter months.

The new routine RSV vaccination programme will be offered year-round to the following groups:

• older adults, as they turn 75 years old

• pregnant women, who will be offered vaccination at 28 weeks gestation, with a catch-up programme for those already past 28 weeks gestation, but that have not yet given birth.

A one-off campaign for older adults will also target those individuals aged between 75 and 79 years.

Appointments

Patients turning 75 years old will be invited to attend the surgery for a vaccine within 12 weeks of turning 75yrs.

Patients who are aged between 75 and 79 years old will be invited to a one off catch up clinic in February 25.  We will contact you nearer the time with an appointment.

Pregnant women will be invited for a vaccine by their midwife, we are unable to offer you the vaccine in the surgery,  please contact your midwife if you have any queries.