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We are inviting you to get your respiratory syncytial virus vaccine. We call this an RSV vaccine.
RSV is a virus that affects the lungs. It can cause a cough, sore throat and cold.
You are invited to get this vaccine because you are:
- 75 to 79 years old
- or, you are pregnant and have been for 28 weeks or more
If you are pregnant and have the RSV vaccine, it will help to stop your baby getting unwell from RSV for the first few months after they are born.
If you are 75-79 you only need to get your RSV vaccine once. You don’t need to go back each year.
If you have the vaccine because you are pregnant you will need another vaccine each time you get pregnant.
This is a free vaccine from the NHS. You do not need to pay for it.
Why is it important to get the RSV vaccine?
Some people who get RSV get better on their own.
You are more likely to be unwell if you get the RSV virus.
RSV can cause serious problems like pneumonia. This is a very serious infection in your lungs that can make you very unwell.
Sometimes, people die from getting the RSV virus.
This is why it is important to get your RSV vaccine.
How do you get your RSV vaccine?
To get your RSV vaccine, you can contact your doctor’s (GP) surgery and ask for an appointment.
Also, some pharmacies offer RSV vaccine appointments in:
- Suffolk and North East Essex
- Mid and South Essex
If you would like to ask for an appointment in a pharmacy in these areas, visit this link: http://www.nhs.uk/book-rsv
If you have already booked or had your RSV vaccine, you do not need another one.
If you need a change to the way you get your vaccine, let them know when you book your appointment, or when you are at your appointment.
These changes are called reasonable adjustments.
This could be things like:
- giving you an appointment for a time when someone you trust can come with you
- having your vaccine in the car or at home
It is better to get your RSV vaccine on a different day from your flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
Other information
You can read more at www.nhs.uk/rsv. There is also a guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults at www.gov.uk/rsv-vaccine.
This guide is not in easy read so you may need support to understand it.
For information in other languages, visit www.england.nhs.uk/rsv-invites.
Thank you,
NHS England Vaccination team