RSV Vaccines available now at Clare Pharmacy

What is RSV and how does the vaccine work?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that is spread through coughing or sneezing, causing respiratory tract infections with mild cold-like symptoms. Usually, these infections go away on their own but sometimes, and especially in vulnerable people such as the elderly or very young children and babies, RSV can cause more serious infections leading to pneumonia or breathing problems that have to be treated in hospital. The virus is not a new one; it has been circulating in people for likely many years, but the vaccination against it has just been approved for use.

The vaccine being offered in the UK is the Abrysvo® bivalent recombinant vaccine. This means that it does not contain any ‘live’ virus and will not infect you with RSV. Instead, it contains small bits taken from a part of the virus called the pre-fusion F antigen, which your body’s immune system will react against. If you should come in contact with someone who is infected with RSV, your body will already recognize the virus and be able to clear the infection much faster. It should be noted that, although the vaccine will not infect you with the virus, cold-like symptoms after administration are common as this is your immune system reacting to the vaccine.

Who is eligible?

As with other seasonal illnesses such as Influenza, RSV is more prevalent during the winter months, therefore the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that vulnerable groups be vaccinated this Autumn and Winter. This will include those aged 75 to 79, and pregnant women (after 28 weeks). Pregnant women are included in this cohort as the vaccination protects the baby after birth and throughout its first months. If you turned 80 on or after 1 September 2024, then you are eligible for the RSV vaccine until 31 August 2025.

Vaccines are available at Clare Pharmacy where we are running all our vaccinations for the rest of this year. Typically, the RSV vaccine will be given separately from COVID / Flu vaccines, though there is no recommended length of time to wait between having your other vaccines and the RSV vaccine. As long as you feel well for your appointment and have no temperature, we will be able to go ahead. If you have had any history of anaphylaxis, that is severe allergic reactions requiring hospital treatment, then we will be unable to administer your vaccine.

You can book your appointment by visiting our Vaccinations Autumn 2024 page.