08/04/2026
What is RSV?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common germ that can infect your lungs. While the symptoms are mild for many, RSV can be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia, bronchitis and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. It can make it difficult to breathe until you recover from the infection and some people will need treatment in hospital. RSV causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year.
From 1st April, in addition to those aged 75-79, those aged 80 and over and those living in a care home for older adults can get the RSV vaccine. Contact your GP to book your vaccine or speak to a member of staff at the care home