The RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common respiratory infection that can be life-threatening for older adults and very young babies. In the UK, it is currently recommended for adults aged 75 to 79 and pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is available on the NHS and, where eligible, can be accessed through your GP or pharmacy.
Respiratory syncytial virus, more commonly known as RSV, is a highly contagious virus that causes respiratory infections ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe pneumonia and bronchiolitis. While most healthy adults recover from RSV without serious complications, it poses a significant risk to two groups in particular: older adults, whose immune systems are less able to fight off severe infection, and very young infants, who can develop dangerous breathing difficulties. The RSV vaccine has been developed specifically to reduce the burden of serious RSV illness in these vulnerable groups, and its introduction into the UK vaccination programme marks a major step forward in protecting those most at risk. At Luxtons Pharmacy in Exeter, our team is here to help eligible patients understand their options, access the RSV vaccine, and stay informed about this important new addition to the UK immunisation programme.
Book a consultation with our team in Exeter today to find out whether the RSV vaccine is right for you.
Key Takeaways
✔ RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in older adults and very young babies, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
✔ The RSV vaccine is currently recommended on the NHS for adults aged 75 to 79 and for pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
✔ For pregnant women, the vaccine helps to pass protective antibodies to the baby before birth, offering protection in the first months of life.
✔ The RSV vaccine is a single dose and does not need to be repeated annually unlike the flu vaccine.
✔ Side effects are generally mild and short-lived, most commonly soreness at the injection site and mild fatigue.
✔ Residents of Exeter and the surrounding Devon area can speak to our pharmacists at Luxtons Pharmacy for up-to-date guidance on RSV vaccine access.
What Is RSV and Why Is It Dangerous?
Respiratory syncytial virus is so widespread that almost all children will have been infected with it at least once by the time they reach the age of two. For the majority, it presents as a mild upper respiratory illness with symptoms similar to a common cold, including a runny nose, cough, and low-grade temperature. However, for certain groups, RSV can escalate rapidly into a serious lower respiratory tract infection with potentially fatal consequences.
In older adults, RSV is responsible for a significant number of hospitalisations and deaths each year in the UK, with many cases going unrecognised because the symptoms can mimic those of flu or pneumonia. In infants, particularly those under six months of age, RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis, a condition characterised by inflammation and mucus build-up in the small airways of the lungs that can make breathing extremely difficult. Premature babies and those with underlying health conditions are at the highest risk of severe outcomes.
How Does the RSV Vaccine Work?
The RSV vaccine currently approved for use in the UK for older adults is Abrysvo, produced by Pfizer. It is a protein subunit vaccine, meaning it does not contain live virus. Instead, it contains a stabilised form of the RSV fusion protein, which is the part of the virus that allows it to enter human cells. When the vaccine is administered, the immune system recognises this protein as foreign and mounts a response, producing antibodies that are ready to fight the virus if exposure occurs in the future.
For pregnant women, the same vaccine works through a process called passive immunisation. The antibodies generated by the mother in response to the vaccine cross the placenta and are transferred to the baby before birth, providing the infant with a level of protection against RSV in the critical first months of life before their own immune system is sufficiently developed to respond to vaccination directly.
Who Is Currently Eligible for the RSV Vaccine on the NHS?
The NHS RSV vaccination programme was introduced in September 2024 and represents a significant expansion of the UK’s immunisation offering. Current NHS eligibility is as follows. Adults aged 75 to 79 are being offered the vaccine routinely as part of the NHS programme. Pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy are offered the vaccine to protect their newborn baby in the first months of life. Adults aged 80 and over are not currently part of the routine programme, though they may be offered the vaccine opportunistically, so speak to your GP or pharmacist for guidance on your individual circumstances.
If you fall outside these eligibility criteria but have concerns about your risk from RSV, our pharmacists at Luxtons Pharmacy in Exeter are happy to discuss your individual circumstances and advise on whether a private vaccination may be appropriate for you. For further information on hepatitis B and other vaccine-preventable infections, our guide to hepatitis B vaccination provides a useful point of comparison for understanding how different vaccines work within the UK immunisation framework.
| Eligible Group | NHS Funded | Number of Doses | When to Have It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adults aged 75 to 79 | Yes | 1 (single dose) | Routinely offered by GP |
| Pregnant women (28 weeks onwards) | Yes | 1 (single dose per pregnancy) | From 28 weeks of pregnancy |
| Adults aged 80 and over | Not routinely, but may be offered opportunistically | Discuss with GP or pharmacist | Speak to your pharmacist |
| Adults under 75 with high-risk conditions | Not routinely | Discuss with pharmacist | Private consultation available |
What Are the Side Effects of the RSV Vaccine?
The RSV vaccine is well tolerated by the vast majority of people who receive it. The most commonly reported side effects are localised reactions at the injection site, including pain, redness, and swelling, which typically resolve within a day or two. Some people also report mild systemic effects such as fatigue, headache, muscle aches, and a low-grade temperature in the days following vaccination. These reactions are a normal sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine and are not a cause for concern in most cases.
Serious adverse reactions to the RSV vaccine are rare. As with all vaccines, there is a very small risk of an allergic reaction, and patients are asked to remain at the vaccination site for a short period after administration as a precautionary measure. Our team at Luxtons Pharmacy in Exeter is trained to manage any such reactions and will ensure you feel comfortable and informed throughout the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some of the questions our patients in Exeter most commonly ask about the RSV vaccine.
Do I need to have the RSV vaccine every year like the flu vaccine?
No. Unlike the flu vaccine, the RSV vaccine is currently given as a single dose and is not part of an annual programme. The duration of protection is still being studied, and future guidance on whether booster doses will be recommended will be issued as more long-term data becomes available.
Can I have the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines?
Yes, the RSV vaccine can generally be given at the same time as other vaccines, including the flu vaccine and the COVID-19 booster. Your pharmacist or GP will advise on the most practical schedule based on your individual circumstances and the vaccines you are due.
Is the RSV vaccine safe during pregnancy?
Yes, the RSV vaccine has been specifically approved and recommended for use in pregnancy from 28 weeks onwards. Clinical trials have demonstrated a favourable safety profile for both mother and baby, and the JCVI has concluded that the benefits of vaccination during pregnancy substantially outweigh the risks.
What happens if I missed the RSV vaccine when I was eligible?
If you turned 75 after the programme launched and have not yet received your RSV vaccine, you should contact your GP surgery to arrange an appointment. If you are experiencing difficulty accessing the vaccine through your GP, our team at Luxtons Pharmacy in Exeter can advise on available options.
Does the RSV vaccine protect against all strains of RSV?
RSV exists in two main subtypes, RSV-A and RSV-B, and the current vaccine has demonstrated efficacy against both. However, as with all vaccines, it does not guarantee complete protection in every case, and good respiratory hygiene remains important, particularly during peak RSV season in autumn and winter.
Can I get the RSV vaccine privately if I am not eligible on the NHS?
If you fall outside the current NHS eligibility criteria but are concerned about your risk from RSV, please speak to our team at Luxtons Pharmacy. We can discuss your individual risk factors and advise on whether private vaccination is appropriate and available for your circumstances.
RSV Vaccine Advice and Support at Luxtons Pharmacy, Exeter
At Luxtons Pharmacy in Exeter, we are committed to keeping our community informed and protected as new vaccines become available. The introduction of the RSV vaccine is a genuinely exciting development in preventive healthcare, and our team is here to help every eligible patient in Exeter and across Devon understand their options and access the protection they need. Whether you have questions about eligibility, timing, or side effects, we are ready to help. Book now to speak to one of our experienced pharmacists and take a proactive step towards protecting your respiratory health this season.
