
RSV Vaccine in the UK: Who Should Get It & How It Protects You
We can now offer vaccination against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). This is great news so we can protect our patients from this nasty infection.
๐ Great news! We can now offer vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). It causes serious respiratory infections in babies, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
This new RSV vaccine can help protect vulnerable groups and reduce hospitalisations. Hereโs everything you need to know.
๐ Understanding RSV
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause:
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Runny nose ๐คง
โ
Coughing & sneezing ๐ท
โ
Fever ๐ก๏ธ
โ
Shortness of breath ๐ซ
๐ถ In babies, RSV can lead to bronchiolitisโa severe lung infection.
๐ In older children, it can cause middle ear infections & croup.
๐ก How does RSV spread?
- Through coughing & sneezing ๐คง
- By touching contaminated surfaces (RSV can survive for hours!) ๐ฆ
- From close contact with infected people ๐ฅ
โ ๏ธ Who is at Risk?
RSV can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:
๐ถ Babies under 6 months (especially those born August to November)
๐ฅ Premature babies or those with lung or heart conditions
๐ง Older adults (60+ years)โRSV can be fatal for some
๐ค People with weakened immune systems
Each year, thousands of babies, children, and adults in the UK are hospitalized due to RSV. Now, we finally have a vaccine to help prevent it! ๐
๐ The RSV Vaccine: How It Works
The RSV vaccine (Abrysvoยฎ by Pfizer) is NOT a live vaccine. It works by:
1๏ธโฃ Exposing your immune system to a small part of the virus (an antigen).
2๏ธโฃ Helping your body develop protective antibodies.
3๏ธโฃ Allowing your immune system to recognise & fight RSV quickly if exposed.
๐ช The result? A much lower risk of serious RSV infection!
๐ How Effective is the RSV Vaccine?
For Infants (via Maternal Vaccination)
๐ฉโ๐ผ Pregnant women who receive the vaccine pass antibodies to their babies. This has been shown to:
โ
Reduce severe RSV infections in newborns by ~80%
For Older Adults (60+ years)
๐ Studies show that vaccinated adults have an 80% lower chance of severe RSV infection.
โณ Protection has been shown to last at least 2 years.
โ ๏ธ Is the RSV Vaccine Safe?
Yes! The vaccine has been rigorously tested and used in real-world settings, such as the USA,ย since 2023.
Possible Mild Side Effects (like other vaccines):
๐ช Soreness at the injection site
๐ค Mild fever or headache
๐ฆต Muscle aches
๐จ If you have a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine, consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
๐ฉโโ๏ธ Who Should Get the Vaccine?
Currently, the RSV vaccine is licensed in the UK for:
๐คฐ Pregnant women (recommended at 28โ36 weeks of pregnancy)
- Antibodies pass to the baby through the placenta
- If you miss the timing, you can still get vaccinated later in pregnancy, antibodies can also be passed throughย breast milk ๐ผ
๐ต Older adults (60+ years)
- RSV can cause hospitalisations & deaths in older adults
- The vaccine is especially important for those with lung or heart disease
๐ฅ Where to Get Vaccinated?
NHS Eligibility
โ๏ธ Pregnant womenโAvailable during routine antenatal care
โ๏ธ Older adultsโCurrently offered to:
Private Vaccination at Coyne Medical
๐ฅ We offer RSV vaccination for:
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Pregnant women (28โ36 weeks)
โ
All adults aged 60+
๐ Book an appointment online or contact us to schedule your RSV vaccination today!
๐ฎ Looking Ahead
Currently, there is no RSV vaccine licensed for babies & young children in the UK.
๐ฌ However, monoclonal antibody treatments are available for high-risk infants under hospital care.
๐ก With ongoing research, we hope to see more RSV protection options available soon!
๐ข Take Action โ Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones!
โ
Pregnant? Over 60? Get vaccinated today!
๐
Book your RSV vaccine now to stay protected.
๐ฌ Got questions? Contact us at Coyne Medicalโwe’re happy to help!

๐ฉโโ๏ธ About the Author
Dr. Lucy Hooper is a private GP at Coyne Medical in London, specialising in family medicine, preventative care and screening. Passionate about patient-centered healthcare, she provides expert guidance on health screenings, and personalised wellness plans.
๐ Coyne Medical | Fulham, London SW6
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Book an appointment today to discuss your health needs!