The RSV programme is temporarily paused for the delivery of our winter vaccination programme. Eligible citizens will be contacted with appointment details early next year when clinics resume.
Key contacts:
NHS Borders Vaccination Hub - 01896 809250
Click on the following links to find out more about the RSV vaccination programme:
RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform
RSV adults - frequently asked questions
About the RSV programme
RSV, also known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common respiratory illness that affects the airways and lungs. RSV causes coughs and colds and can make you wheezy or short of breath. RSV can also cause more serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis, pneumonia or other life-threatening conditions.
Symptoms can include:
- Runny nose
- Decreased appetite
- Cough
- Sneezing
- Fever
- Ear infections (especially in children)
You can catch the RSV virus at any time of the year, but cases do increase over winter and early spring.
RSV affects people of any age however, it can be especially serious for some older adults and babies. Having the vaccine is the best way for eligible individuals to protect themselves from RSV.
Eligibility
People turning 75 years of age from 1 August 2024 up to and including 31 July 2025, will be offered the RSV vaccine.
RSV is a new programme and for this year, the vaccine will also be offered to those who are already aged 75 up to 79 on 1 August 2024.
If you turn 75 years of age from 1 August 2024 up to and including 31 July 2025, you will be offered the RSV vaccine.
The RSV vaccine is also offered during pregnancy, regardless of age, from 28 weeks. Having the vaccine will reduce the risk of passing an RSV infection on to newborn babies, even if they are born early. For more information on our RSV maternity programme click on the following link RSV maternity.
Clinic locations
Clinics will take place in community locations across the Borders. You will be advised of your nearest clinic when making your appointment.
Alternative arrangements will be made directly for patients who are housebound or who live in residential care or nursing homes.
Making an appointment
The vaccination team will write to those who are eligible with details of how to make an appointment.
Anyone who meets the eligibility criteria described but has not received an RSV vaccination letter should call the vaccination booking hub on 01896 809250, who will be happy to advise.
The RSV vaccine
The Pfizer Abrysvo vaccine will be used for the RSV programme. This is not a live vaccine and does not cause RSV infection.
All vaccines are thoroughly tested in advance of use, for safety and effectiveness and continue to be monitored once in regular use.