Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung infections.

While RSV infection can occur at any age, the risk and severity of RSV and its complications are increased in older adults pregnant women and infants, having a considerable impact on these individuals and NHS services during the winter months.

Following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), in June HM Government announced a vaccination delivery  programme will commence from 1 September 2024, for the protection of older adults, women who are at least 28 weeks pregrant and for infants.

Scroll down for information on the introduction of new NHS vaccination programmes against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). 

The UK will become the first country in the world to roll out a national vaccination programme against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), protecting infants & older people from becoming seriously ill. RSV accounts for 39,000 hospitalisations each year.

From 1 Sept, vaccination to protect against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) will be offered to:

• Pregnant women (over 28 weeks) to help protect newborn babies
• Adults aged 75+

Practices in our network and currently developing clinic plans.  Information on the programme for patients of The Barcellos Family Practice, The Cranborne Practice (including Lake Road Surgery), Verwood Surgery and West Moors Village Surgery will be published on this website and social media when they are finalised.

Programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine on or after their 75th birthday.  

In the meantime, a one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity with the aim of completing the majority by 31 August 2025.

In line with JCVI guidance, individuals will remain eligible until their 80th birthday.

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine, by the GP Practices in our network. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth. 

What happens next?

GP Practices in our network plan to vaccinate as many people as possible during September and October 2024 before the expected RSV season.  Eligible patients in our network of GP Practices will be contacted with an offer of the RSV vaccine once clinic details are finalised.

In addition to GP surgeries, the NHS will also be commissioning a number of community pharmacies across the country to deliver the RSV vaccination programme.  However we encourage eligible patients to support their GP Practices in our network by having their RSV vaccination at their registered surgery.   

WHY CHOOSE YOUR GP PRACTICE?

• They have direct access to your medical records, so your immunisation can be added to your patient record more quickly.
• They can inform you if you are entitled to other vaccinations, such as shingles or pneumonia.
• They can ensure continuity of care for our patients and carers - we already know you, and you know them!

Find our more on the UK Health Security Agency website here>>