Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. For most adults, RSV causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold, and usually gets better on its own.
In a small number of older adults, RSV infection can lead to serious health problems such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or even death. People with heart or lung disease or a weakened immune system are at higher risk.
Most people have had RSV as a child, but a past infection may not prevent you from getting RSV again.
Fact: Before the RSV vaccine programme started, RSV was thought to cause around 400 to 600 deaths each year in Wales in people aged 75 or over.
Although most RSV infections occur in autumn and winter, you can have the RSV vaccine at any time of the year. The vaccine is safe. It meets all safety standards. Once a vaccine is in use, its safety continues to be monitored.
Help protect yourself against serious illness from RSV by having the RSV vaccine when it is offered to you.