Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - RSV vaccine for older adults

You will be offered the RSV vaccine if you: 

• are aged 75 or over 
• live in a care home for older adults (whatever your age), or 
• are aged 65 to 74 years and have one of the health conditions listed below: 
  • poorly controlled asthma – asthma that causes symptoms often  
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a group of lung conditions that makes breathing hard  
  • bronchiectasis – a lung condition where the airways are damaged and make a lot of mucus  
  • cystic fibrosis – a genetic condition that causes thick mucus in the lungs  
  • interstitial lung fibrosis – scarring of the lungs   
  • pneumoconiosis – lung disease caused by breathing in certain types of dust   
  • bronchopulmonary dysplasia – a long‑term lung condition that begins in some babies  
  • a weakened immune system because of illness or medical treatment  

No. Vaccine trials show the vaccine gives good protection for at least two years and is likely to last longer.

Other routine vaccines available for adults aged 65 and over include: 

• influenza (flu)  
• pneumococcal, and 
• shingles. 

For more information, visit the immunisation and vaccine page.

You can also see the complete routine immunisation schedules for Wales.

The NHS will let you know when and where to get the vaccine. If you think you might have missed the invitation, speak to your GP surgery.

You can have the RSV vaccine at any time of the year. It is an injection given in the upper arm.

Like all medicines, vaccines can cause side effects, but not everyone gets them. Most side effects are mild and may last a day or two. 

The most common side effects include:    

• pain, swelling and redness in the arm where the injection was given 
• headache 
• tiredness 
• muscle or joint pain 

Rare or very rare side effects from the vaccine include:  

• Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a nerve condition that can cause muscle weakness, and 
• allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, hives (a raised, itchy rash). People may also have difficulty swallowing or feel dizzy. 

GBS is a rare but serious condition. There are thought to be around 10 to 25 cases of GBS for every million doses of the vaccine given to older adults. GBS can also happen after some common infections. This includes flu, tummy bugs, and in rare cases after other vaccines. 

For older adults, the benefits of being vaccinated against RSV are greater than the small risk of developing GBS. 

Get medical help straight away if you notice any of the following symptoms after your vaccine: 

• tingling  
• numbness  
• weakness  
• sharp pain  
• pins and needles  

These symptoms may occur in your hands, feet, arms or legs. Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 Wales. 

Rarely, people can have a severe reaction soon after the vaccination. This can cause breathing difficulties and they may collapse. This is called an anaphylactic reaction, and it can also happen with other medicines and food. These reactions are extremely rare, affecting less than one in a million people. Staff who give vaccinations are trained to manage these reactions. 

People who have an anaphylactic reaction can be successfully treated. They usually recover within a few hours. 

To find out more about the side effects of the vaccine, read the patient information leaflet online: 

• Abrysvo (external site) 

If you have any questions about side effects, you can ask the person giving you the vaccine. 

If the side effects last for more than a few days, you should talk to your healthcare professional. You can also contact NHS 111 Wales by calling 111. 

You should report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines online at Yellow Card (external site). You can also download the Yellow Card app, or call  0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). 

A black triangle symbol on a vaccine or medicine means that it is being closely monitored for any side effects. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get.  

Vaccination is one of the best ways to prevent severe illness from RSV. No vaccine is 100% effective, so it is still important to know the signs and symptoms of RSV, even if you are vaccinated.

For more information about the symptoms of respiratory tract infections, visit the NHS 111 Wales website.

Very few people cannot have the RSV vaccination. 

The vaccine should not be given to anyone who has had a serious (life-threatening) reaction to: 

• a previous dose of the vaccine, or 
• any ingredient in the vaccine. 

Speak to the person giving you the vaccine if you have had a serious allergic reaction to the vaccine or its ingredients in the past. 

If you have a high temperature (fever) above 38.5C, wait until you are better to have the vaccine. However, you should try to have it as soon as possible. If you cannot attend your vaccination appointment, please cancel it and make a new one.   

If in doubt, discuss this with the person giving you your vaccination.  

If you have a fear of needles, let the person giving you the vaccine know. They will support you.