What the RSV vaccine is for

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine is offered during pregnancy. It helps protect your baby against serious illness caused by RSV infection.

RSV is a common respiratory virus. In most people it causes a mild illness with cold-like symptoms. It’s highly infectious and spreads easily when people with the virus cough or sneeze.

RSV is the most common reason that babies are admitted to hospital with respiratory (breathing) problems.

Those who are at highest risk of severe illness from RSV infection include:

• premature babies
• newborn babies (particularly in the first 6 months)
• children under 2 years with conditions that affect their heart, breathing or immune system

Older children and adults can also get infected with RSV. The disease is more serious for young babies.

RSV infection is more common in winter, but can happen at any time of year.

Who can get the RSV vaccine

You’ll be offered the RSV vaccine if you’re pregnant. It’ll help protect your baby against serious illness from RSV infection.

During pregnancy, you can get the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks. Having the RSV vaccine at this time means that your baby is protected even if they’re born early.

If you did not get the RSV vaccine at 28 weeks, you can still get it later in your pregnancy. It’ll still protect you from infection and reduce the risk of passing RSV infection to your newborn baby.

The best way to protect your baby from serious illness is getting all recommended vaccines at the right time.

Further information

Link to Patient Leaflet: /media/content/files/ukhsa-rsv-patient-leaflet.pdf