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
There are several ways to receive your RSV vaccination:
GP practice
Your GP practice will contact you when it’s time for your vaccination.
Pharmacy appointments
For the first time, eligible individuals in mid and south Essex can book a pharmacy appointment online via nhs.uk/book-rsv. Pharmacies across Mid and South Essex also offer a walk-in service. The participating pharmacies are:
- Britannia Pharmacy: 213 Timberlog Lane, Basildon, SS14 1PB
- Benfleet Pharmacy: 299 High Road, Benfleet, SS7 5UH
- 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
- Village Pharmacy: 52 The Green, Writtle, Chelmsford, CM1 3DU
- Leigh Broadway Pharmacy and Travel Clinic: 31 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, SS9 1SW
- 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
If you are pregnant
Our immunisation team will reach out to you from 24 weeks to offer the vaccine and book appointments (from 28 weeks). If you have any questions, please speak to your maternity team.
Drop-in clinics for pregnant women and birthing people
Pregnant women and birthing people over 16 weeks can get all eligible vaccinations at our drop-in clinics in Basildon, Broomfield, and Southend. No appointment is necessary; simply visit the clinic during the hours listed below:
- Basildon Hospital: Tuesday and Friday, 9am-5pm – antenatal clinic
- Broomfield Hospital: Tuesday and Wednesday, 9am-5pm – A block, 4th Floor (adjacent to Antenatal Clinic)
- Southend Hospital: Tuesday and Friday, 9am-5pm – 2nd Floor, Cardigan Wing (outside maternity)
If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the maternity department directly.
We understand that getting vaccinated while pregnant can be concerning. If you have any worries or questions, please visit our drop-in clinics. Our healthcare teams are available to answer your questions and explain the benefits of these vaccinations.