Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination information
Before the RSV vaccination programme started in the UK, around 33,500 children under five went to hospital because of the virus each year. Every winter in England and Wales, RSV is thought to cause 5,000 to 7,500 deaths in older adults. Most of these deaths are in adults over 75 years.
Why have an RSV vaccination programme?
In September 2023, vaccine experts advised the Government to introduce an RSV vaccination programme for babies and older adults. Wales started the programme in September 2024.
The RSV programme was introduced to help protect babies and older adults from serious illness each autumn and winter. The programme also aims to reduce the need for hospital care and GP visits caused by RSV.
Transcript – RSV vaccine
Why is the vaccine being introduced now?
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recognised that RSV can cause significant illness within the UK population and also has considerable impact on NHS services each year during the winter months.
There are now safe and effective vaccinations available, and it has been recommended that RSV immunisation programme is introduced across the UK.
Who is eligible for the RSV vaccine?
Initially, the programme will be offered to adults that are turning 75 years of age and also to pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy up until birth.
Adults will be directly invited for the vaccination from the 1st of September, 2024.
What are the side effects?
Side effects are usually mild. The most common side effects are headache and a sore arm at the injection site. These side effects don’t usually last very long at all. As with all medicines, side effects are closely monitored by the MHRA in the UK.
Evidence shows us that the RSV vaccine is very safe and highly effective at protection from RSV.
Why should I have the vaccine?
RSV is highly contagious and can cause serious illness and even death in older people. In Wales, the RSV vaccine could prevent up to 125 deaths every year.
How can I find out more?
You will receive an invite directly from your health board with more information about the vaccination. In the meantime, you can find out more from the Public Health Wales website.
Why should I have the vaccine in pregnancy?
The RSV vaccine will protect your baby from birth. Approximately 90% of children will have had RSV by the time they reach their second birthday. The RSV can cause more severe illness in babies under the age of one, and this is because their airways are smaller and when inflamed, this can cause significant breathing difficulties.
There is no direct treatment for RSV, so vaccination is the best line of defence to protect your baby from severe illness.
Is the vaccine safe in pregnancy?
The RSV vaccine has been through rigorous clinical trials and testing. RSV can cause serious illness in young babies and can have a long lasting effects on their health. The RSV vaccine is approximately 94% effective in preventing RSV in babies.
What other vaccines recommended in pregnancy?
As well as the RSV vaccination, the whooping cough, flu, and COVID-19 vaccines are also recommended during pregnancy.
How can I find out more?
Your midwife or health care provider can provide you with more information as part of your antenatal care.
Risk groups
Maternal programme to protect babies
RSV can make newborn babies and infants very unwell.
It can cause lung infections called bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These conditions can make it hard for babies to breathe and to feed. They may need hospital care to help them get better.
The RSV vaccine is offered during pregnancy to help protect babies against serious illness caused by RSV during their first months of life.
For more information about the maternal RSV vaccination programme, visit the RSV programme for pregnant women and their babies page.
Programme for older adults
In older adults, RSV can cause severe breathing problems, particularly in those who are frail or have other health conditions. RSV infection might cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or even death.
For more information about the RSV vaccination programme for older adults, visit the RSV vaccination information for older adults page.
Page last reviewed: 11th April 2025