Record summer temperatures may make coughs and colds seen like a distant memory, but it’s important that older people and pregnant women protect themselves and their babies ahead of the colder months.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be particularly dangerous for babies and the elderly.
Unlike some vaccinations – like flu or Covid – RSV is available year-round.
Although the virus is more common during winter, people are advised to get vaccinated as soon as they are eligible before RSV starts to spread.
Women should be offered the vaccination when they reach 28 weeks of pregnancy to pass on vital protection to their baby.
If you haven’t been offered it around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment, contact your maternity service or GP.
People aged 75 to 79 should have the vaccination when they are invited. But it’s not too late to ask your GP practice if you think you’ve missed it.
Dr Helen Wall, clinical director for population health at NHS Greater Manchester, said:
“Summer is very busy for many people. We’ve often got lots going on: preparing for holidays, looking after children and grandchildren, getting out and about more or simply trying to stay cool during this weather!
“With so much happening, it’s easy to forget about the RSV vaccine. Many people may not even know about RSV, but it can be a very serious illness for older people and babies.
“RSV causes thousands of babies and older people to spend time in hospital. By simply getting this vaccination, it will prevent older people from becoming seriously ill and pregnant women will help protect the lives of their unborn babies.
“That’s why I’m urging eligible people make sure the RSV vaccine is on your summer to-do list! Get your jab as soon as possible so you or your baby are protected when winter arrives.
“Older people need just one dose for protection that will last multiple years, while women should get the vaccine during every pregnancy to protect each baby.”
What is RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus is a major respiratory virus.
Babies are particularly vulnerable to RSV lung infections as they have small airways and have limited immunity against the virus.
In babies, RSV can cause a condition called bronchiolitis. Babies with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal.
RSV can also be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung diseases and other long-term conditions.
Symptoms of RSV
RSV may cause a cough or a cold, wheezing, shortness of breath, tiredness and fever. Most cases are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks.
Bronchiolitis can make it difficult for babies to breathe and feed. RSV bronchiolitis symptoms may include difficult, fast or noisy breathing and being unsettled or difficult to comfort.
Find out more about the symptoms of RSV on the NHS website
Who can get the RSV vaccination?
The RSV vaccination has been available in England since September 2024. It was previously available in other countries.
Pregnant women can get it from week 28 of pregnancy right up to birth. Getting it as soon as possible gives your baby the best protection.
You should get vaccinated in every pregnancy.
Everyone aged 75 to 79 is offered the RSV vaccine, along with those who turned 80 between September 2024 and August 31 2025.
In older adults, a single dose is expected to give good protection for a few years.
Preventing the spread of RSV
RSV can spread through coughs and sneezes.
Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze and wash your hands often with warm soapy water to kill germs.
If you have symptoms that could be RSV, try and avoid young babies – though this isn’t going to be possible if you are a new parent.
It is perfectly okay for parents to ask people with colds to keep away from newborn babies, particularly in the first few months, and for babies born prematurely.
Find out more about vaccination in pregnancy
