A vaccine to prevent respiratory syncytial virus in older adults and in pregnancy
RSV vaccine
A vaccine that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), offered to older adults and during pregnancy to protect newborns.
What is RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common germ that can cause serious chest infections, particularly in older adults and in very young babies. In the UK it is offered to older adults and during pregnancy: when given in pregnancy, it passes protection to the baby so the newborn is protected in their first months. It is given as an injection. The most common effects are temporary soreness where the injection is given, along with tiredness, headache or muscle aches that settle on their own. For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to RSV vaccine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
The RSV vaccine is a vaccine that protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common germ that usually causes cold-like symptoms but can lead to serious chest infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is most dangerous for older adults and for very young babies. In the UK the vaccine is offered to older adults to protect them directly, and to pregnant women so that protection is passed across to the baby, guarding the newborn during their most vulnerable first months. It is given as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
How it works
The vaccine teaches the immune system to recognise part of the RSV virus so that, if the person later meets RSV, their body can respond quickly and they are far less likely to become seriously unwell. When given during pregnancy, the protective antibodies the mother makes cross the placenta to the baby, so the newborn is born with protection that lasts through their early, most vulnerable months. In older adults it builds the person's own protection ahead of the season when RSV circulates most. It is given on the UK immunisation schedule to provide protection at the times it is most needed.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: Specialist manufacturers.
A vaccine offered in the UK to older adults and during pregnancy as part of the UK immunisation schedule to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Practical use
How to take RSV vaccine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is given by a nurse or doctor as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
- Have it at the time the UK immunisation schedule recommends for your situation, whether you are an older adult or pregnant.
- Expect mild soreness where the injection is given, plus possible tiredness, headache or muscle aches for a day or two.
- Tell the team about any serious allergies or if you have been unwell with a high temperature before it is given.
- For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of RSV vaccine
Advantages
- Protects against RSV, which can cause serious chest infections in older adults and young babies.
- When given in pregnancy, it passes protection to the newborn during their most vulnerable months.
- Part of the UK immunisation schedule, given as a single straightforward injection.
Disadvantages
- Commonly causes temporary soreness where the injection is given and short-lived flu-like effects.
- Like all vaccines, it carries a very rare risk of a serious allergic reaction.
- Protection is targeted at specific groups and times rather than being given to everyone.
Practical use
Good to know
It helps to understand the two main reasons the vaccine is offered: to protect older adults, who are at higher risk of serious RSV chest infections, and to protect newborn babies by vaccinating during pregnancy so that protection is passed to the baby before birth. It is given as an injection, and the most common effects are temporary soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given, along with tiredness, headache or muscle aches for a day or two. These are signs the immune system is responding and usually settle on their own. As with any vaccine, a serious allergic reaction is very rare, and the team giving it is prepared for this. There is more than one RSV vaccine, and the right one depends on whether it is being given in pregnancy or to an older adult, which the UK immunisation schedule sets out. For general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient should not have it.
- It is given to the group recommended for each vaccine, so the right product depends on whether it is pregnancy or older-adult use.
- If you are unwell with a high temperature, it may be delayed until you are better.
Monitoring
- Being observed briefly after the injection in case of a rare immediate allergic reaction.
- Checking the right vaccine and timing are used for older adults or for pregnancy.
- Reviewing any history of serious allergy before it is given.
Side effects
- Soreness, redness or swelling where the injection is given.
- Tiredness, headache or muscle aches for a day or two.
- Rarely, a serious allergic reaction soon after the injection, which the team is prepared to treat.
Key interactions
- It can often be given at the same visit as some other vaccines, which the team will arrange safely.
- There are few other routine medicine interactions, but tell the team about all your medicines.
- Tell the team if you are pregnant, so the right vaccine and timing are used.
Available as: A suspension for injection, usually into the upper arm.
Answers
RSV vaccine: frequently asked questions
What is the RSV vaccine for?
It protects against respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause serious chest infections, and is offered to older adults and during pregnancy to protect the newborn.
How does it protect my baby if I have it in pregnancy?
The protective antibodies you make after the vaccine cross the placenta to your baby, so the newborn is born with protection that covers their vulnerable first months.
Is it an injection?
Yes, it is given as an injection, usually into the upper arm.
What side effects should I expect?
Most commonly temporary soreness where the injection is given, along with tiredness, headache or muscle aches for a day or two, which settle on their own.
Who should have it?
It is offered to older adults and during pregnancy on the UK immunisation schedule; for general information, follow the UK immunisation schedule and the advice your vaccination team gives.
The wider class
About Vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus)
RSV vaccine belongs to the vaccine (respiratory syncytial virus) class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
Browse by body system
Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
Building a medicines information resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free drug and formulary references for teams.