Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and respiratory tract. Most children will have been infected by the age of two. Although often mild, RSV can also affect adults and lead to more serious illness in vulnerable groups. Severe infection is more likely in infants under 12 months (particularly those born prematurely) as well as in older adults, individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.

Vaccination Pricing

£220 Per dose
£220 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

  • Sore Throat

  • Congestion

  • Cough

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Wheezing

Hawne Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 0121 501 3518

Bills Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01384 872117

Millard and Bullock Chemist & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01902 883 182

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
60 years and over 1 n/a n/a

*only for patients over the age of 60 at time of vaccination.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus is a common virus that infects the respiratory tract. It is one of the leading causes of respiratory illness in infants and young children, although it can affect individuals of all ages. In most healthy adults and older children, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms and resolves within a week or two. However, in babies—particularly those under six months of age—as well as older adults, and people with weakened immune systems or underlying lung or heart conditions, RSV can lead to more serious complications such as bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) or pneumonia. RSV is highly contagious and circulates most frequently during the winter months. While most recover fully, severe cases can require hospitalisation, especially in very young children or frail elderly individuals. It remains a major cause of respiratory-related admissions for infants worldwide.

RSV spreads easily from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. It can also be transmitted via direct contact—for example, by touching a contaminated surface and then touching the mouth, nose, or eyes. The virus can survive on hard surfaces like doorknobs, toys, and countertops for several hours, which makes it particularly common in childcare settings and crowded environments. Preventing RSV involves a combination of hygiene measures and, in certain cases, vaccination or preventative treatment. Frequent handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding close contact with individuals showing cold-like symptoms are important steps. Parents of young infants, especially those born prematurely or with medical conditions, should be cautious during RSV season. In high-risk infants, a medication called palivizumab may be offered to help prevent severe infection. New RSV vaccines and long-acting antibody treatments are now emerging, particularly for older adults and infants, to offer further protection during seasonal peaks.

Symptoms of RSV typically appear four to six days after exposure and resemble those of a common cold. These include a runny nose, coughing, sneezing, sore throat, mild headache, and low-grade fever. In babies and young children, the virus can cause wheezing, irritability, feeding difficulties, and episodes of apnoea (pauses in breathing), especially in very young or premature infants. As the infection progresses, it may lead to bronchiolitis or pneumonia, with symptoms such as rapid or laboured breathing, flaring nostrils, chest retractions, and bluish colouring around the lips or fingernails due to lack of oxygen. In older adults or individuals with chronic lung disease, RSV can exacerbate existing respiratory conditions like asthma or COPD. Most people recover within one to two weeks, but serious cases may require oxygen therapy, fluids, or mechanical ventilation in a hospital setting. It is important to seek medical advice if breathing difficulties or signs of dehydration occur.

Vaccination against RSV is a relatively new development, with recent advances leading to approved vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments for specific high-risk groups. For older adults, a single dose of the RSV vaccine, such as Arexvy or Abrysvo, provides protection for at least one RSV season (typically autumn and winter in the UK), with ongoing studies assessing long-term immunity and the need for annual boosters. For infants, a long-acting monoclonal antibody injection such as nirsevimab (brand name Beyfortus) provides passive immunity and offers protection for several months, covering the peak RSV season with a single dose. This is particularly helpful for newborns, as their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Guidance regarding booster timing may evolve as more data becomes available, but current recommendations aim to provide seasonal protection when the virus is most active.

RSV is not linked to specific countries in the way that travel-related diseases like yellow fever or typhoid are. It is a global virus that circulates in nearly every country, especially during colder months. Therefore, RSV vaccination is not tied to travel requirements, but rather to personal risk factors such as age, health condition, or occupation (such as healthcare workers or carers of vulnerable individuals). That said, if you are travelling to another country during their RSV season (particularly with a young infant or as an older adult) it may be worth considering RSV protection, especially if you’ll be in crowded environments or have limited access to healthcare. Since RSV can cause outbreaks in hospitals and care homes, those travelling for medical care or to support someone in a healthcare facility may be advised to seek additional protection if eligible.

RSV vaccines and monoclonal antibody treatments are generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Common side effects include redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as fatigue, headache, or mild fever. These effects usually resolve within a few days. Serious adverse reactions are rare, and both vaccines and antibody treatments have been thoroughly tested in clinical trials, particularly among high-risk populations such as infants and older adults. In infants, antibody treatments like nirsevimab do not typically cause systemic side effects, making them a safe option for seasonal protection. As with all vaccines and biologics, healthcare professionals will assess individual suitability, especially in people with known allergies or complex medical conditions. Overall, the benefits of RSV vaccination or passive immunisation (particularly in preventing severe disease in vulnerable groups) significantly outweigh the risks associated with side effects.

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The West Midlands Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

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Expert Pharmacists

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