Guidance

RSV Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Patients, Parents and Carers

Published 15 April 2026

1. Overview of RSV

• RSV stands for Respiratory Syncytial Virus
• RSV is a common respiratory virus that affects the airways and lungs, and can cause coughs, colds and chest infections
• RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for young babies, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems
• RSV can cause a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis in babies and young children. This can cause breathing problems and may need to be treated in hospital
• RSV can also cause pneumonia, which is a serious lung infection that can lead to fever, chills, coughs and difficulty breathing, and may require hospital care in some cases

2. RSV vaccination and eligibility

• Two RSV vaccines are currently authorised for use in the UK
• Abrysvo (Pfizer RSV vaccine) is currently offered in NHS vaccination programmes against RSV for:
  • adults aged 75 and over
  • all residents in care homes for older adults
  • pregnant  individuals, between 28-36 weeks’ gestation to provide their babies with the best protection
• Arexvy (GSK RSV vaccine) is not currently available on the NHS but may be available privately for use in:
  • adults aged 60 years and older
  • adults aged 50-59 years who are at an increased risk of RSV disease
• These vaccines help the immune system recognise RSV, reducing the risk of severe infection, hospitalisation and complications if exposed to the virus in the future
• For more information, please see NHS RSV vaccine guidance

3. Getting RSV and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time

• Individuals who are eligible for both the RSV vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine may be able to receive both at the same appointment
• Local arrangements for offering vaccines together may vary, and not everyone will be offered co-administration
• For more information and advice about your eligibility, speak to your GP, pharmacist, or practice nurse

4. Safety and effectiveness of RSV vaccines

• Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect people at higher risk of severe RSV illness
• RSV vaccination can help to prevent serious illness, hospitalisation, and complications
• Millions of RSV vaccinations have been safely given in the UK and around the world
• Like all vaccines approved for use in the UK, the RSV vaccines have gone through a rigorous development process to test their safety, quality and effectiveness
• The MHRA independently verifies the safety and quality of every vaccine batch before it is offered to patients
• The MHRA continuously monitors and reviews suspected adverse drug reactions through the Yellow Card scheme to ensure all vaccines remain safe throughout their use
• For more information about the safety and effectiveness of vaccines approved for use in the UK, please refer to the Vaccine safety - patient factsheet

5. RSV vaccine side effects

• The most common side effects of RSV vaccines are usually mild and short-lived
• Common side effects of RSV vaccination may include:
  • soreness, redness, or swelling where the injection was given
  • headache
  • muscle or joint aches
• These symptoms usually improve within a few days. If symptoms continue or you are concerned, speak to your GP, midwife, pharmacist, or practice nurse
• Serious allergic reactions after vaccination are very rare. The person giving the vaccine will be trained to recognise and treat allergic reactions immediately
• Very rarely, older adults who have received the Abrysvo or Arexvy RSV vaccines may get Guillain‑Barré syndrome, a rare condition that affects the nerves
  • Symptoms of Guillain‑Barré syndrome may include tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, followed by muscle weakness and difficulty moving your joints
  • Seek immediate medical attention if you develop tingling, numbness, weakness, difficulty moving, facial weakness or problems breathing after vaccination
  • Guillain‑Barré syndrome remains very rare, and the benefits of RSV vaccination far outweigh this small potential risk
• There is no evidence to suggest that the Abrysvo RSV vaccine increases the risk of Guillain‑Barré syndrome in pregnant individuals
• The risk of serious side effects is very low, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh any potential risks

6. RSV vaccine and pregnancy

• RSV vaccination during every pregnancy can help to protect your baby after they are born
• Protection from the RSV vaccine is passed to your baby, helping to protect infants against severe RSV from birth
• Pregnant individuals are eligible for the RSV vaccine from 28-36 weeks of pregnancy to protect their infants
• Many studies have shown that having the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is safe for both pregnant women and their infants
• Currently the Abrysvo RSV vaccine is the only RSV vaccine approved for use during pregnancy
• The Arexvy RSV vaccine should not be given to pregnant individuals
• If you have any concerns, speak to your GP, midwife, pharmacist or practice nurse

7. Who should not receive the RSV vaccine

• Most individuals who are eligible for the RSV vaccine can safely receive it
• You should not receive the RSV vaccine if you have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the RSV vaccine, or to any ingredient in the vaccine
• The Arexvy RSV vaccine should not be given to any individual under the age of 50 years, or individuals not at high risk of RSV infection under the age of 60 years
• The Abrysvo RSV vaccine should not be given to individuals aged under 75 years unless they are residents of care homes for older adults, or are pregnant and between 28-36 weeks’ gestation
• If you are unsure, speak to your GP, midwife, pharmacists or practice nurse for advice

8. Report side effects to the Yellow Card scheme

• You should report any suspected side effects of vaccination to the MHRA via a Yellow Card to:
  • the Yellow Card website
  • the Yellow Card app; download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
• Reports help us gain a better understanding of vaccine interactions and safeguard patients through vigilant monitoring