Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults.
Who’s at risk from RSV
RSV is very common. Almost all children get it at least once before they’re 2 years old.
It’s not usually serious, but some babies and adults have a higher risk of getting seriously ill, particularly:
- babies under 6 months old
- children who were born prematurely
- adults over 75 years
- babies, children and older adults with a weakened immune system, or long-term lung or heart conditions
In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital.
RSV can also cause a serious lung infection (pneumonia) in babies and older adults.
RSV vaccination from September 2024
A vaccine to help protect against RSV will be available on the NHS from 1 September 2024.
You’ll be able to get the vaccine if:
- you’re aged 75 to 79
- you’re 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they’re born
How to get your vaccine
People eligible for the RSV vaccine will be contacted by their GP and invited to attend a vaccination.
For the first time, eligible people in mid and south Essex, will also be able to walk into certain local community pharmacies and get the vaccination, or book a pharmacy or GP appointment online via nhs.uk/book-rsv. These pharmacies are:
- Allied Pahrmacy, 418 Whitmore Way, Basildon, SS14 2HB
- Britannia Pharmacy, 213 Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1PB
- Allied Pharmacy, 96 Arundel Road, Benfleet, SS7 4EF
- Benfleet Pharmacy, 299 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5UH
- Christchurch Pharmacy. Mace Avenue, Braintree, CM7 2AE
- Savages Pharmacy, 22 Station Road, Burnham-on-Crouch, CM0 8BQ
- Britannia Pharmacy, 193 High Street, Canvey Island, SS8 7RN
- Britannia Pharmacy, 363 Long Road, Canvey Island, SS8 07Q
- Britannia Pharmacy, 236 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, SS8 7BY
- Allied Pharmacy, 1 Brickfields Road, South Woodham Ferrers, Chelmsford, CM3 5XB
- Village Pharmacy, 52 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DU
- Leigh Broadway Pharmacy and Travel Clinic, 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
- Allied Pharmacy, Unit 10a/10b Bentalls Shopping Centre, Colchester Road, Maldon, CM9 4GD
- Grange Pharmacy, 113 London Road, Rayleigh, SS6 9AX
- Paydens, 75 Queensways. Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AB
- Bansals Pharmacy, 178 The Broadway, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 3ES
- Queensway Pharmacy, 61 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2NL
- Southchurch Pharmacy, 535 Southchurch Road, Southend-on-Sea, SS1 2AY
- Kalsons Chemist, 138 Hobley Thick Lane, Westcliffe-on-Sea, SS0 0RJ
For pregnant women and birthing people, our immunisation team will be contacting you from 24 weeks to offer the vaccine and book appointments (from 28 weeks). If you have questions about the vaccine please speak to your maternity team.