We have started issuing appointments to older adults who are eligible for the RSV vaccine.
Appointments will continue to be issued over the next couple of weeks and pregnant women who are 28 week plus are also eligible and can speak to their midwife to arrange to have their vaccine at their next ante-natal appointment.
RSV is a common respiratory illness which affects the lungs and airways. It is more common from late autumn to early spring, but can happen throughout the year.
Dr Chris Deighan, NHS Lanarkshire’s Executive Medical Director, said: “RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system. It generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, or decrease in appetite.
“Most people recover after two to three weeks, but RSV can cause severe illness in some people, including pneumonia (infection of the lungs), bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways of the lungs) and other life-threatening conditions, leading to complications and hospitalisation.
“The most vulnerable in Lanarkshire can now get protection by getting the RSV vaccine including all pregnant women. If a vaccinated person does get RSV, it should be less severe and the vaccine is effective against lower respiratory tract infections (such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis).”
You can find out more information on the RSV vaccine on the NHS Inform website.
Who is eligible for the RSV Vaccine
Anyone turning 75 years old between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026, will be offered the RSV vaccine. This includes if their 75th birthday is on 1 August 2025 or 31 July 2026.
The vaccine will be routinely offered to those turning 75 years old between 1 August and 31 July.
Getting the RSV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against infections caused by RSV.
The RSV is also offered during pregnancy, regardless of age.
