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.
💉 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. Here’s everything you need to know.
🔍 Understanding RSV
What is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause:
✅ Runny nose 🤧
✅ Coughing & sneezing 😷
✅ Fever 🌡️
✅ Shortness of breath 🫁
👶 In babies, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis—a severe lung infection.
👂 In older children, it can cause middle ear infections & croup.
💡 How does RSV spread?
- Through coughing & sneezing 🤧
- By touching contaminated surfaces (RSV can survive for hours!) 🦠
- From close contact with infected people 👥
⚠️ Who is at Risk?
RSV can affect anyone, but some groups are more vulnerable:
👶 Babies under 6 months (especially those born August to November)
🏥 Premature babies or those with lung or heart conditions
🧓 Older adults (60+ years)—RSV can be fatal for some
🤒 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! 🎉
💉 The RSV Vaccine: How It Works
The RSV vaccine (Abrysvo® by Pfizer) is NOT a live vaccine. It works by:
1️⃣ Exposing your immune system to a small part of the virus (an antigen).
2️⃣ Helping your body develop protective antibodies.
3️⃣ Allowing your immune system to recognise & fight RSV quickly if exposed.
💪 The result? A much lower risk of serious RSV infection!
📊 How Effective is the RSV Vaccine?
For Infants (via Maternal Vaccination)
👩🍼 Pregnant women who receive the vaccine pass antibodies to their babies. This has been shown to:
✅ Reduce severe RSV infections in newborns by ~80%
For Older Adults (60+ years)
📊 Studies show that vaccinated adults have an 80% lower chance of severe RSV infection.
⏳ Protection has been shown to last at least 2 years.
⚠️ Is the RSV Vaccine Safe?
Yes! The vaccine has been rigorously tested and used in real-world settings, such as the USA, since 2023.
Possible Mild Side Effects (like other vaccines):
💪 Soreness at the injection site
🤕 Mild fever or headache
🦵 Muscle aches
🚨 If you have a history of allergic reactions to a vaccine, consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.
👩⚕️ Who Should Get the Vaccine?
Currently, the RSV vaccine is licensed in the UK for:
🤰 Pregnant women (recommended at 28–36 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 through breast milk 🍼
👵 Older adults (60+ years)
- RSV can cause hospitalisations & deaths in older adults
- The vaccine is especially important for those with lung or heart disease
🏥 Where to Get Vaccinated?
NHS Eligibility
✔️ Pregnant women—Available during routine antenatal care
✔️ Older adults—Currently offered to:
- 📅 Ages 75–79
- 📅 Ages 80+ (if you turned 80 after 1st September 2024 and before Aug 31, 2025)
🩺 Check with your NHS GP to confirm availability.
Private Vaccination at Coyne Medical
🏥 We offer RSV vaccination for:
✅ Pregnant women (28–36 weeks)
✅ All adults aged 60+
📅 Book an appointment online or contact us to schedule your RSV vaccination today!
🔮 Looking Ahead
Currently, there is no RSV vaccine licensed for babies & young children in the UK.
🔬 However, monoclonal antibody treatments are available for high-risk infants under hospital care.
📢 Take Action – Protect Yourself & Your Loved Ones!
💡 With ongoing research, we hope to see more RSV protection options available soon!
✅ Pregnant? Over 60? Get vaccinated today!
📅 Book your RSV vaccine now to stay protected.
💬 Got questions? Contact us at Coyne Medical—we’re happy to help!
DR LUCY HOOPER
MB BS BSc MRCGP MA DRCOG DCH
Lucy is a GP and co-founder of Coyne Medical. She graduated with honours from Imperial College London, trained at St Mary’s Hospital, and holds a Master’s in Medical Ethics and Law. Her clinical interests span women’s health, preventive medicine, and genomics, with a particular focus on using advanced biomarkers to build a more complete picture of long-term health.
British Society for Genetic Medicine · European Atherosclerosis Society ·
Independent Doctors Federation
As seen in BBC, The Guardian, Women’s Health, The Times and Tatler
For educational purposes. This article is written by a practising GP and is intended to inform, not replace a consultation with your own doctor. It does not constitute medical advice. A note on clinical guidelines: Coyne Medical is an independent private clinic. Our approach is guided by the best available evidence, tailored to each individual. This may go beyond standard NHS or NICE guidance, which is designed for population-level care and weighted by resource constraints.
