Travel vaccine

RSV Vaccine

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common cause of coughs and colds that can be serious for young babies and older adults. The RSV vaccine helps protect older adults, and vaccination in pregnancy protects newborns in their first months.

Book this vaccine From £225 per dose

Key facts

Who it's for

Older adults, and pregnant women (to protect their newborn)

Vaccination course

A single dose

In pregnancy

Given from around 28 weeks to protect the baby's first months

Protects against

Serious RSV chest infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia

Availability

Through the NHS for eligible groups, and privately for others

How it spreads

Coughs, sneezes and contaminated surfaces

What is RSV?

RSV is a very common virus that spreads through coughs, sneezes and contact with contaminated surfaces. For most people it causes cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to serious chest infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia — particularly in young babies and in older adults, especially those with heart or lung conditions.

Newer RSV vaccines protect those most at risk. They are recommended for older adults and, given in pregnancy, pass protection to the baby for their first vulnerable months. We can advise on whether RSV vaccination is appropriate for you or your family.

Risk areas

RSV occurs worldwide and tends to peak in the colder months in temperate regions, including the UK. It isn't a destination-specific travel risk; the vaccine is about protecting those most vulnerable to serious illness — young babies and older adults.

Risk for travellers

RSV is not a classic travel vaccine, but protecting vulnerable people matters wherever they are. Older adults — particularly those with heart or lung conditions — are at higher risk of serious illness, as are very young babies. Vaccination in pregnancy protects newborns, and an RSV vaccine for older adults reduces their risk of a serious chest infection.

What are the symptoms of RSV?

A runny or blocked nose
Cough and sneezing
A mild fever and tiredness
Wheezing or noisy breathing
In babies: fast or laboured breathing, and feeding difficulties
In older adults: worsening of heart or lung conditions, or pneumonia

How does the RSV Vaccine work?

RSV vaccines are given as a single dose. For older adults they reduce the risk of serious RSV chest infections; in pregnancy, a dose from around 28 weeks passes protection to the baby for their first few months of life. The vaccine is offered through the NHS to eligible groups and is available privately for others who would like it. We'll confirm whether it's suitable for you at your appointment.

Book your appointment for RSV Vaccine right now.

Book vaccine @ £225 per dose

Who should consider the RSV vaccine?

RSV vaccination is aimed at those most at risk of serious illness, including:

Older adults, particularly those with heart or lung conditions
Pregnant women, to protect their newborn in the first vulnerable months
People in eligible NHS groups who haven't yet had it
Others who would like protection and for whom the vaccine is suitable

RSV vaccination in pregnancy

Given from around 28 weeks of pregnancy, the RSV vaccine passes protection across to the baby, helping guard them against serious RSV illness in their first few months — before they're old enough for their own protection.

We'll confirm the right timing and answer any questions you have about RSV vaccination in pregnancy at your appointment.

Possible side effects

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived:

Soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site
Headache, tiredness or muscle aches
A mildly raised temperature
Serious reactions are very rare

Reducing RSV risk for the vulnerable

Alongside vaccination, simple measures help protect babies and older relatives:

Wash hands before holding or feeding a baby
Keep newborns away from anyone with cold-like symptoms where possible
Cover coughs and sneezes and clean shared surfaces
Seek medical advice if a baby has fast or laboured breathing or feeding problems

FAQ