Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
From 1st September 2024 patients aged 75-79yrs will be eligible for a new vaccine to help protect from an infectious disease of the airways and lungs called Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). RSV can lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions, particularly in older adults and bronchiolitis in small babies.
Pregnant women around 28 week of their pregnancy are also being offered the vaccine to protect their babies from RSV.
RSV virus can occur all year round, but outbreaks peak every winter. The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine.
We will begin inviting eligible patients to book an appointment for this single dose vaccine during August.
More information about RSV and the vaccination can be found here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv
The RSV vaccination DOES NOT replace the flu vaccination and you should have this too, along with the covid booster that you may be eligible for.
We will be sending invitations during September for the flu/covid vaccinations which start at the practice in early October.