New RSV vaccine for patients aged 75 to 79 years old

From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 years will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We will be offering the RSV vaccination to eligible patients throughout September.

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold. It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves. Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die. RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.

A single dose of vaccine is expected to give you good protection for a few years. For further information please read the patient information leaflet by clicking here.