Adult vaccine
RSV Vaccine
The RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of chest infections. It is offered to older adults and in pregnancy to protect newborns.
What it protects against
It protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes coughs and colds but can lead to serious chest infections (bronchiolitis and pneumonia), especially in babies and older adults.
Who it's for
Older adults in a defined age range, and pregnant women (to pass protection to their newborn baby), as part of newer UK immunisation programmes.
How it works
It contains a protein from the surface of the virus, prompting protective antibodies. When given in pregnancy, these antibodies pass to the baby to protect them in their first months.
Safety
Safety and side effects
It is safe and well tolerated. Common effects are soreness at the injection site, tiredness and headache, which settle quickly.
Education and reference only. This is general information, not a personal recommendation, and does not list doses — follow the current NHS schedule and your clinician's advice. Seek urgent help for signs of a serious allergic reaction after any vaccine.
Answers
RSV Vaccine: frequently asked questions
Why is the RSV vaccine given in pregnancy?
Vaccinating in pregnancy lets the mother pass protective antibodies to her baby before birth, guarding the newborn against serious RSV chest infections in their vulnerable first months, before they could be vaccinated themselves.
Why are older adults offered the RSV vaccine?
RSV can cause serious chest infections in older people, so vaccination in a defined older age group helps prevent hospital admissions and severe illness.
Related
Other adult vaccines
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Vaccinations
- UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) — the Green Book
- WHO — immunization
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