Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infections often cause symptoms similar to a cold, including a cough, sore throat, running nose and sneezing. It can also make you become wheezy or short of breathe and in some cases it can lead to pneumonia. There is no specific treatment and most infections will get better by themselves.
RSV infection is a common in young children but it is most serious in small babies or older adults.
How does the vaccination work?
Almost all older adults have had several RSV infections during their lifetime. A single dose of the vaccine will help to boost protection as you reach and age group at the highest risk of serious RSV infection. It is also recommended that pregnant women are administered the RSV vaccination to temporarily boost their antibodies levels, therefore allowing them to transfer higher levels of the RSV antibodies across to the placenta to their unborn child to passively protect their infant against RSV.
Who is eligible to receive the vaccine?
- Patients aged 75-79 years old.
- Pregnant women from 28 weeks.
Eligible patients will receive an invite to book their vaccination appointment, however if you fall into one of the above categories please feel free to contact a member of our Reception Team on 01269 506930 to arrange an appointment. Pregnant women should receive their invite from their midwife.
