Have you heard of RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the virus causing many coughs and colds, which peaks in December and January each year.

Usually, RSV infections get better by themselves, but they can become much more serious for some people, particularly babies and older adults. A vaccine is now available to help protect young babies and older people from becoming seriously unwell from RSV.

The eligible groups for the RSV vaccine are:

• All pregnant women from 28 weeks pregnancy until delivery, however the optimal time to receive the vaccine is between 28 and 36 weeks.
• Older adults aged 75-79. This is a one-off vaccine from age 75 until the day before your 80th birthday. 

The vaccine is safe for pregnant women, and it reduces the risk of a child developing severe RSV lung disease by 70% in the first six months of life when they are most at risk.

If you are currently pregnant get your vaccine by:

• Attending one of the open access vaccination clinics in the antenatal departments at either the Leicester Royal Infirmary or the Leicester General Hospital every weekday, 9:00am until 4:30pm.
• Visiting a roving clinic.
• Contacting your midwife or your GP practice.

 If you are aged between 75 – 79 years, you can get the RSV vaccine by:

• Attending your GP practice, once invited (all eligible patients will receive an invitation from their practice).
• Visiting one of the roving healthcare units across LLR.