Respiratory Syncytial Virus Posted or Updated on 21 Aug 2024

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter, transmitted by droplets and secretions from an infected person. It generally circulates from October onwards, lasting 4 – 5 months and peaking around December. In most people it causes a mild respiratory illness, but for a small number of people who are at risk of more severe respiratory disease, it might cause pneumonia or even death.

High risk groups are the very young (under 1 year of age) and older adults.

To provide protection, the following groups will be vaccinated:

-      Adults turning 75 (eligible as soon as they have had their 75^th birthday)

-      Adults 75 to 78

-      Adults 79 (as at 31/8/24)

-      Pregnant women (from 28 weeks of pregnancy)

This is a one dose vaccine.

Patients are being called to come for vaccination as the vaccine becomes available, some invitations have already been sent out. So if you are offered it, please come to your appointment for your protection