Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.
Who’s at risk from RSV
RSV is very common. Almost all children get it at least once before they’re 2 years old.
It’s not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly:
- babies under 6 months old
- children who were born prematurely
- adults over 75 years
- babies, children and older adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions
In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.
RSV vaccination from September 2024
A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.
You’ll be able to get the vaccine if:
- you’re aged 75 to 79
- you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they’re born
If you’re aged 80 or over
If you turned 80 after 1 September 2024, you’re eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.
You’re not eligible for the RSV vaccine if you turned 80 on or before 1 September 2024.
How to get your RSV vaccine if you are aged 75 to 79
Your GP practice will contact you when it’s time for your vaccination.
For the first time, eligible individuals in mid and south Essex can book a pharmacy appointment online via nhs.uk/book-rsv. Some pharmacies also offer a walk-in service.
- Britannia Pharmacy: 213 Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1PB
- Benfleet Pharmacy: 299 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5UH
- Savages Pharmacy: 22 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BQ
- Britannia Pharmacy: 193 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7RN
- Britannia Pharmacy: 363 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 07Q
- Britannia Pharmacy: 236 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7BY
- Village Pharmacy: 52 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DU
- Leigh Broadway Pharmacy and Travel Clinic: 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
- Grange Pharmacy: 113 London Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9AX
- Paydens: 75 Queensways, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AB
- Bansals Pharmacy: 178 The Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3ES
- Queensway Pharmacy: 61 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
- Southchurch Pharmacy: 535 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AY
- Kalsons Chemist: 138 Hobley Thick Lane, Westcliffe-on-Sea, SS0 0RJ
How to get your vaccine if you are pregnant
You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.
Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour.
Speak to your maternity service, your GP surgery or a participating pharmacist if you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.