RSV Vaccination Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Booking Information 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, visit www.nhslothian.scot/vaccinations/maternity-vaccinations 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: You can get the RSV vaccine if you can answer yes to one of the following questions: are you turning 65 years old between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027 and have an eligible health condition? did you turn 75 years old before 1 August 2026, and you haven’t had your RSV vaccine yet? are you turning 75 years old between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027? do you live in a care home for older adults? did you turn 65 before 1 August 2026, and have an eligible health condition? If you’ve been invited before and have not yet taken up the offer, contact the Lothian Vaccination Enquiries Helpline. For more information about RSV or the RSV vaccine, visit NHS Inform. Booking Information Accessing RSV Vaccination Over the winter, vaccination teams are focused on the delivery of the seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccination programme. Routine invitations for RSV vaccinations are currently deprioritised to allow NHS Lothian vaccination teams to administer the current programme. When the COVID-19 and flu programme reaches its conclusion (likely in early 2026), routine patient invitations for the RSV vaccine will recommence for eligible patients. Patients will be called forward in order of clinical priority. During the winter, some patients can have RSV bookings arranged via a referral if they are under the care of a hospital consultant and have anticipated immunosuppression or if there are specific scheduling concerns, for example, those who require revaccination following cancer treatment or people who require vaccination following a stem cell transplant. Patients should speak to their consultant for a referral.
