Pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 urged to come forward for national RSV vaccination programme

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus, in the same family as the human parainfluenza viruses and mumps and measles viruses. RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. RSV is transmitted by large droplets and by secretions from contact with an infected person.

Infants under one year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease. While most RSV infections usually cause mild illness, infants aged less than 6 months frequently develop the most severe disease such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which may result in hospitalisation. 

From 1st September 2024, two new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes will be introduced for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old, and pregnant women.

Programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1st September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1st September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

Your GP will invite you for your free RSV vaccination if you turn 75 years of age on or after 1st September 2024, or you are already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1st September 2024.

For more information on the RSV vaccination for older adults, click here. 

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1st September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.

For more information on the RSV vaccination for pregnant women, click here. 

If you are pregnant and would like to book an appointment for your RSV vaccine, please speak to your Midwife at your next appointment, or call the Antenatal Clinic at Macclesfield Hospital to schedule your vaccine on: 01625 661160.