RSV Vaccinations
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) Vaccinations will be available from 1st September 2024
From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those age 75 to 79 and pregnant ladies from 28 weeks gestation will be eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold, including:
- cough
- sore throat
- sneezing
- a runny or blocked nose
It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. There is no specific treatment, and most infections will get better by themselves. Every year thousands of older adults need hospital care for RSV, and some of them will die. RSV can be more severe in people with medical conditions such as heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system.
RSV infection is common in young children but is most serious for small babies and for older people.
You can find more information here
The doctors at The Oaks Family Practice would strongly encourage you to have this vaccine and prevent you being affected by this illness during the winter months. We will be contacting you to arrange an appointment with one of our practice nurses.
If you are pregnant, your midwife should offer you the vaccination when you are 28 weeks pregnant, you can have this done at the practice if you prefer.