RSV vaccine
The RSV vaccine is being offered to adults at the highest risk of serious illness from RSV infection.
What the RSV vaccine is for
RSV is a common respiratory (lungs and airways) illness. RSV infection is more common from late autumn to early spring, but can happen at any time of year.
Sometimes, RSV infection can cause severe lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. It can also cause other life-threatening conditions.
Last year in Scotland, there were over 1,000 RSV cases in adults aged 75 and over.
The vaccine helps protect you by reducing your chances of getting an RSV infection.
Who can get the RSV vaccine
If you’re turning 75 years old between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, you’ll be offered the RSV vaccine. This includes if your 75th birthday is on 1 August 2024 or 31 July 2025.
The vaccine will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years on 1 August 2024. This means you can get the vaccine if your date of birth is between 2 August 1944 and 31 July 1950. This is because the RSV vaccine is new to Scotland, and this group could not be given the vaccine before now.
In future years, the vaccine will be routinely offered to those turning 75 years old between 1 August and 31 July.
Getting the RSV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against infections caused by RSV.
The RSV is also offered during pregnancy, regardless of age.
Read more about the RSV vaccine in pregnancy
It’s recognised that some people may be disappointed that they’re not included in the age group to be offered an RSV vaccine this year.
When any vaccination programme is introduced or extended, recommendations are made about who’ll be offered the vaccine and when they’ll be invited to come forward. These decisions are based on a combination of factors, including the risk of the disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine in different age groups.
This approach is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and ensures that NHS Scotland can deliver the programme effectively alongside other immunisation programme.
The JCVI advise that any future expansions of the RSV programme will be guided by:
- emerging evidence on the duration of protection provided by the RSV vaccine
- the impact the RSV vaccine has on reducing cases of RSV in the UK
Any extensions will be considered when there’s more certainty about how much protection the RSV vaccine gives to adults who are older than the current eligibility criteria, and the real-world impact of the RSV vaccine programme.
About the RSV vaccine
The Abrysvo vaccine is offered to protect against RSV in Scotland. It’s usually given as an injection in your upper arm.
You may be able to get the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines (like shingles or pneumococcal). You can discuss this with the person giving you the vaccine. Because RSV infections often happen earlier in the year, this vaccine will be offered in August and September. You’ll be offered a different appointment later in the year to get your flu vaccine.
The Abrysvo vaccine is not a live vaccine. It does not cause RSV infection.
Read more about vaccines for older adults
There are very few people who cannot have the RSV vaccine.
The vaccine should not be given to people who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:
- any of the vaccine ingredients
- a previous dose of the same vaccine
You can view the ingredients in the Abrysvo vaccine patient information leaflet.
It’s important to tell the person giving you the vaccine if you:
- have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to anything
- are receiving medicines, treatment or therapy at a hospital or specialist clinic
The RSV vaccine helps build up your immunity to the virus. This means your body will fight off the infection more easily.
Clinical trials showed that the vaccine reduces respiratory infections in adults by over 85%.
Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective. There’s still a chance you might get RSV after having the vaccine. However, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long.
Currently, it’s recommended that you get only 1 dose of the RSV vaccine.
Clinical trials currently show that the RSV vaccine provides good protection for at least 2 years. Researchers expect that future data will show the vaccine lasts for even longer.
All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety, quality and effectiveness before they are allowed to be used. Once they are in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be carefully monitored.
How to get the RSV vaccine
You’ll be contacted by your local NHS immunisation team when it’s time to get the vaccine.
If you’ve been asked to make an appointment, or you need to reschedule one that has been made, you can do so by contacting your local NHS immunisation team.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01563 826540. Phone lines are open 8.30am-4.30pm.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01896 809250.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01387 403 090. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also contact the immunisation team by emailing dg.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01383 565456. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also contact the immunisation team by emailing fife.immunisationqueries@nhs.scot
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 0800 130 3120.
You can also contact the immunisation team by emailing fv.vaccinationenquiries@nhs.scot
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01224 555 333.
You can also contact the immunisation team by emailing gram.vaccineenquiries@nhs.scot
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone the number provided on your invitation letter.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 08000 320 339. Phone lines are open 9.30am to 5pm on Mondays, and 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01698 687456. Phone lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, and 9am to 4.30pm on Fridays.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 0300 790 6296.
If you live on Orkney mainland, you can book or reschedule an appointment by phoning 0300 303 5313. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
You can also email ork.vaccinationadmin@nhs.scot
If you live on an outer Isle or are a patient registered in Stromness Surgery, you can book or reschedule an appointment by contacting your GP practice.
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01595 743319.
You can also email shet.vaccination-team@nhs.shet
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 01382 423 108. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also email tay.vaxlocalenquiries@nhs.scot
To book or reschedule an appointment, phone 0808 196 8383. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.
You can also email wi.covidvax@nhs.scot
Due to high demand, the NHS immunisation team phone lines are currently very busy. Calls will be answered as soon as possible if you need to make or reschedule an appointment.
If you’re ill on the day of your appointment
Reschedule your vaccine appointment if you feel very unwell, for example if you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. You should not attend an appointment if you think you might be infectious to others.
To reschedule your appointment, phone the number on your invitation letter. If you’ve lost your invitation letter, contact your local NHS immunisation team.
Side effects of the RSV vaccine
After having the vaccine you may have some side effects. These are usually mild and disappear within a few days.
Around the injection site you might experience:
- pain
- redness
- swelling
Where can I report side effects?
You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.
This can be done:
- via their website
- through the Yellow Card Scheme app
- by phoning 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)
Vaccine Safety Net
Public Health Scotland is a proud member of the Vaccine Safety Net and partners with NHS inform to provide reliable information on vaccine safety.
The Vaccine Safety Net is a global network of websites, evaluated by the World Health Organization, that provides reliable information on vaccine safety.
More about the Vaccine Safety Net
Information in other languages and formats
Information leaflets from Public Health Scotland are available in
- Audio, Easy Read, and Large Print formats
- British Sign Language (BSL), English and other languages
You can request another format or language (for example Braille) by emailing phs.otherformats@phs.scot