Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - About the RSV vaccination
The RSV vaccine is a single dose which is given into the upper arm.
If you would like to learn more about the RSV vaccine, you can read the patient leaflet about Abrysvo on the EMC website (external site).
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) is a group of experts in the UK that advises the Government on vaccines and immunisation. In September 2023, the JCVI recommended developing an RSV immunisation programme for infants and older adults.
The RSV programme is a new programme that will protect thousands of infants and older people from serious illness each winter, keeping more people out of hospital and from needing to see a GP.
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.
There are now safe and effective vaccines available and it has been recommended that an RSV immunisation programme be planned across all nations of the UK.
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness before they are allowed to be used. Once they are in use, their safety continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
The RSV vaccine has passed strict safety standards for use in the UK and has been shown to be very safe. As with all vaccines, any reports of side effects are closely monitored and reviewed. You can have the RSV vaccine at any time of the year.
If you would like to learn more about the vaccine, or the disease they protect against, a number of information resources are available to help.
What if I am unwell on the day of my appointment?
If you are ill when your appointment is due, it is better to wait until you have recovered to have your vaccine, but you should try to have it as soon as possible.
A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay your vaccine. If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving you your vaccination.
What if I miss my appointment?
You should cancel an appointment if you can’t make it. If you do miss the appointment or have to delay your vaccination, make a new appointment as soon as possible. You can still have your vaccination, but you will be without protection for longer.
Does the RSV vaccine contain pork gelatine?
None of the current vaccines offered during pregnancy contain pork gelatine. You can find information about vaccines and porcine gelatine on our page.
Eligibility for the vaccine
The vaccination could save 1,000 young children every year in Wales from going to hospital and could save the lives of over 100 older people each year.
Pregnant women
To offer your baby the best protection, you should have your vaccine between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy.
You should be offered the vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment. If you haven’t heard by this time, contact your midwife or your GP to make an appointment. The vaccine is more effective between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you miss your vaccine, you can have it until your baby is born. However, if you have it later in pregnancy it may not be as effective.
For more information about the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for pregnant women and their babies, visit the RSV vaccine for pregnant women and their babies page.
Older adults
You can help protect yourself against serious illness from RSV by having the RSV vaccination when it is offered to you.
A small number of older adults are at risk of becoming very unwell, especially if they have other health problems, such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system. Each year, up to 1000 people aged over 75 need hospital care due to RSV, and some of these people may die. RSV infections can occur all year round, but cases rise in autumn and winter.
For more information about respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination for older adults, visit the RSV vaccine for older adults.
Page last reviewed: 13th August 2025