How do you prevent RSV?

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent RSV. Find out more about RSV vaccines and other simple ways you can prevent RSV. 

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RSV vaccine

The RSV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself or your baby from catching RSV. 

The RSV vaccine is available for free on the NHS. 

You can get the vaccine if you: 

  • are between 65 to 74 years old and:  
    • have a long-term lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, or poorly controlled asthma  – people with well-controlled asthma are not included in this group
      or
    • have a weak immune system because of a health condition or treatment
  • are over 75 years old 
  • live in a care home for older adults 
  • are 28 or more weeks pregnant – this will help to protect your baby for the first few months after they're born. 

Who can get the RSV vaccine for poorly controlled asthma?

You must be between 65 to 74 years old and in the last 24 months have either: 

  • had two or more courses of oral steroids
    or
  • been on long-term oral steroids
    or
  • gone to hospital one or more times for your asthma.

For other vaccines, such as the pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine, the eligibility criteria for poorly controlled asthma is different. 

Common questions about the RSV vaccine

You should get the RSV vaccine as soon as you’re offered it:  

  • If you’re pregnant, you should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28 week antenatal appointment. Getting the vaccine around week 28 of your pregnancy will help you build up antibodies. You will pass these antibodies to your baby before you give birth and give your baby the best protection.  
  • If you’re an older adult you’ll be offered the vaccine as soon as you turn 75. 
  • If you’re between 65 to 74 years old and have a long-term lung condition or a weak immune system, you’ll be offered the vaccine as soon as you turn 65.

It’s best to get your vaccine as soon as you’re offered it to give you the best protection. 

The RSV vaccine is safe and effective. You might get mild side effects, such as: 

  • soreness, redness or swelling where you had your injection
  • muscle ache 
  • a headache.

It’s safer to get your RSV vaccine than to risk getting a serious RSV infection.  

You can only get it the RSV vaccine if you: 

  • are between 65 to 74 years old and:  
    • have a long-term lung condition, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchiectasis, pulmonary fibrosis, or poorly controlled asthma  – people with well-controlled asthma are not included in this group
      or
    • have a weak immune system because of a health condition or treatment
  • are over 75 years old 
  • live in a care home for older adults 
  • are 28 or more weeks pregnant. 

This is because babies and older adults in these groups have a higher risk of getting serious complications from RSV.  

If you have well-controlled asthma, you have a much lower risk of serious complications from RSV compared to people with other lung conditions.  

Talk to your healthcare professional if you’re worried about not being eligible for the vaccine, or call our helpline.

If you’re over 75 years old, you’ll be invited to get your RSV vaccine at your GP surgery.

If you live in a care home for older adults, speak to a member of staff at your care home or your GP about how to get the RSV vaccine.

If you’re pregnant, you should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28 week antenatal appointment. If you are not invited for your RSV vaccine, you can speak to your maternity service or GP practice. 

In some parts of England, you can get your RSV vaccine at a pharmacy too.  Find out more about getting your free RSV vaccine from the NHS website.

The RSV vaccine is one single injection in your upper arm.  

You do not need to get the RSV vaccine every year like other vaccines. One dose will protect you.  

If you’re pregnant, you should get the RSV vaccine in every pregnancy to give your baby the best protection.  

It’s safe to have the RSV vaccine while you’re pregnant. It has been tested on thousands of pregnant women around the world. 

If you’re an older adult, you’re unlikely to be offered the RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu or COVID-19 vaccine. This is because there is some evidence that this can make vaccines less effective. 

If you’re pregnant, it’s safe to have your RSV vaccine at the same time as your flu or COVID-19 vaccine. 

Yes, it’s safe to have the RSV vaccine at the same time as the shingles or pneumococcal vaccine.

The RSV vaccine does not stop you from getting RSV but it can reduce your risk of getting seriously ill.

Your baby could still get RSV even if you have had the vaccine, but the RSV vaccine can reduce the chance of your baby getting seriously ill from RSV.

Almost everybody can have the RSV vaccine. Speak to a doctor or nurse if you have ever had a serious allergic reaction to a vaccine, or any of the ingredients in the RSV vaccine.

You can still get the RSV vaccine if you have a cold. If you have a fever, the doctor or nurse giving you your vaccine might advise you to wait until you’re better.

The RSV vaccine does not contain any animal products.

The vaccine has also been certified Halal by the Islamic Food and Nutrition Council of America (IFANCA). 

Good hygiene

RSV is highly infectious and is spread through the coughs or sneezes of someone with the virus.  You can reduce the risk of catching or spreading RSV by: 

  • Washing your hands and your child’s regularly 
  • Covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze. Try to use disposable tissues and throw them in the bin as soon as you or your child have used them.  You can also cough and sneeze into the bend of your elbow. 
  • Cleaning surfaces in your home and your child’s toys regularly. 
  • Avoiding sharing cutlery and cups with other people. 
  • Keeping newborn babies away from anybody with cold or flu symptoms, especially if they are more likely to get seriously ill from RSV.  

It’s difficult to avoid RSV, but these simple actions can help avoid spreading it. Getting the RSV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself.  

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