Respiratory syncytial virus affects the chest and lungs, and can cause very serious illness for older people
From September 2024, older people will be offered an RSV vaccine following their 75th birthday. This one-off vaccine will help to protect you from the risk of serious illness caused by RSV.
Most patients will be invited to attend an appointment to receive the vaccine at their GP surgery during the three months following their 75th birthday, but some will be invited to have the vaccine at one of the health board’s vaccination centres. Please look out for your invitation, or bookable clinics advertised by your surgery.
People who live in a care home or who are housebound will be offered the vaccine in their home.
The vaccine has been fully tested and trialled, and is safe and effective. It is already in use in countries around the world, and has been shown to significantly reduce the number of hospital admissions related to RSV among older people.
For over-75s, the vaccine will not be offered at the same time as seasonal flu and COVID-19 booster vaccines.
Please take up the offer to protect yourself from the risk of serious illness.
Over the next 12 months, the vaccine will also offered to everyone aged 75 to 80 (born between September 2 1944 and September 1 1949 inclusive only) as part of a catch-up programme.
Eligible patients should look out for an appointment letter for their RSV vaccination, or book an appointment at a clinic being advertised by their GP surgery when invited to do so. All eligible people should be offered the vaccine by August 31 2025.