Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms during the winter months. Babies under one year of age and older adults are at the greatest risk of hospitalisation with more severe respiratory disease. The virus can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia, requiring hospitalisation and intensive care in severe cases.
The new vaccination programme is a proactive measure to mitigate these risks, enhance public health and reduce the impact on NHS services.
There will be 3 eligible cohorts:
Adult Routine Programme
This will be for adults turning 75 years on or after 1st September 2024. Patients turning 75 years will be invited in the month following their 75th Birthday.
Adult catch up Programme
This will be for adults aged 75-79 years as of 31st August 2024. Patients will be invited from 1st December 2024.
Programme for pregnant women to protect infants
This will be for women who are over 28 weeks pregnant. They will remain eligible for the vaccination up to birth. These will be offered by midwives and antenatal healthcare professionals but can be given at the practice if requested.
This is not a seasonal vaccination but one that can be offered and administered all year round. A single dose of vaccine will help to boost protection to those at highest risk of serious RSV infection. Unlike the flu vaccine you do not need to have the RSV vaccine every year.
The programme is due to be rolled out from 1st September 2024. Invitations will be therefore be sent from 1st Oct to those patients who turned 75 years during Sept 2024. It has been advised that the RSV vaccination should not be administered alongside flu and covid vaccinations.
The Westgate Practice will therefore commence the Adult catch up programme from 1st December 2024. We request that patients await their text invitation or letter (if no mobile number is available).
For further information about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination for older adults, please visit:
For further information about the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination for pregnant women, please visit: