New Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination

News - 27 August 2024

Starting this September, the NHS will offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people, new-borns and young children. This is in addition to the existing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
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From 1 September 2024, you may be eligible for a free RSV vaccine if you are: 

  • at least 28 weeks pregnant 
  • You turn 75 years of age on or after 1 September 2024
  • You are already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024

Those aged 75–79 will be invited for the vaccine via their GP surgery. If you are pregnant the maternity team will offer you the vaccination. 

More information on RSV can be found here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/ 

This year flu vaccinations for children will start when the new school year begins in September, to help stop the virus spreading. Pregnant women can also get their jab from 1 September.

From 3 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for other eligible groups. People can start booking their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in advance from 23 September, with appointments running until 20 December.

For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit. However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.

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