Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Programme

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious illness in babies, older adults and people with underlying health conditions. It transmitted through respiratory droplets (coughing, sneezing), through close contact with an infected person.  Symptoms include runny nose, cough and fever.

A safe and effective RSV vaccine is now available on the NHS for people at higher risk.

What is RSV?

RSV is a very common cause of coughs, colds and chest infections. While many people recover quickly, RSV can sometimes cause more serious illness, including:

• Pneumonia
• Bronchiolitis (especially in babies)

These conditions can lead to serious breathing problems and may require hospital treatment, particularly in young infants and older adults.

Why the RSV Vaccine matters?

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of severe respiratory illness, hospital admissions and complications linked to RSV infection. It provides important protection for:

• Newborn babies, through maternal vaccination
• Older adults, who are more likely to develop severe disease

RSV Vaccine for Pregnant women

Who is Eligible?

All pregnant women are eligible for the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy until birth.

How the vaccine protects your baby

Getting vaccinated in pregnancy helps protect your baby from birth through antibodies passed across the placenta. This significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV illness in the first months of life.

Evidence shows maternal vaccination can be highly effective in preventing infant hospitalisation.

When and how to get vaccinated?

You will usually be offered the RSV vaccine at your 28-week antenatal appointment, but it can be given later if needed, up until labour.
If you haven’t been offered it, please speak to your midwife.

RSV Vaccine for Older Adults

Who is Eligible?

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if you are:

• turning 75 years old between 01 August 2025 and 31 July 2026. This includes if your 75th birthday is on 01 August 2025 or 31 July 2026.
• aged between 75 and 79 years of age who have not yet had the RSV vaccine. To be eligible, your date of birth should be between 02 August 1945 and 31 July 1950.
• In 2026 (April – August 2026) we will also be offering a targeted catch up to:
  • Individuals aged 80-years and over (as of 1^st August 2025)
  • All older adult care home residents

Why older adults are offered the vaccine

Older adults are at higher risk of severe RSV illness, which can worsen existing lung or heart conditions. The RSV vaccine has been shown to be around 82% effective in preventing hospital admissions in adults aged 75–79.

When will I get contacted?

If you are eligible, you will be contacted by the NHS Grampian immunisation team to offer you an appointment. The 2026 programme is being delivered between April – August.

Further information

• For more information about shingles or the RSV vaccine, visit NHS Inform Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) | NHS inform

• Videos with information about vaccines are available in English, Arabic, Dari, Pashto, Polish, Simplified Chinese& Ukrainian.