RSV Vaccination

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination

RSV and the RSV Vaccine

What is RSV?

RSV is a common respiratory illness that can be found year-round but is most prevalent during the winter. While most people recover from RSV within 2-3 weeks, it can sometimes lead to severe lower respiratory infections such as pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people over the age of 75 being hospitalised due to RSV.

RSV is also the most common reason that babies are admitted to hospital with respiratory (breathing) problems in Scotland. For more information about the RSV vaccine in pregnancy click here.

RSV Risks:

• Can occur at any age.
• Risk and severity increase with age.

Benefits of RSV Vaccination:

• Reduces the likelihood of RSV infection.
• May lead to milder symptoms if infection does occur.

Vaccine Eligibility:

The RSV vaccine is currently being offered to older adults who:

• Were born between 02 August, 1944 and 31 July, 1950

For more information about RSV or the RSV vaccine visit NHS Inform.