THE RSV vaccine is now available for free on the NHS for adults aged 75 and over, adults living in a care home for older adults, and pregnant women.

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. RSV is a common virus, and almost all children get an RSV infection before they turn two years old.

However, while most people will only get cold-like symptoms, it can make babies and older adults seriously ill and cause breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies). Having the RSV vaccine can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

Dr Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “RSV can be a very severe illness and is the cause of thousands of hospital admissions for babies and older people each year.

“The RSV vaccine is now being offered to everyone living in a care home for older adults, all adults over 75 as well as pregnant women.”

Only a single dose of the RSV vaccine is needed to provide protection. Previously it was only pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 who could receive an RSV vaccination, but now the offer has been extended to all adults living in a care home for older adults and all adults over 75.

If you are a resident of an older adult care home, speak with your care home team about getting the RSV vaccination. For adults over 75 who are not residents of older adult care homes, you can contact your GP practice for an appointment.

Pregnant women are eligible for the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect babies from serious lung infections. Speak with your midwifery team or GP practice about getting the RSV vaccine.