RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) can cause bronchiolitis in babies and pneumonia in older adults. The UK National Health Service (NHS) says the RSV vaccine helps protect against these, especially in babies and older adults, and that RSV can also make lung conditions such as COPD worse. In the UK the main groups are pregnant people and adults 75 and over. Who, when, how many doses and side effects — as the NHS sets them out.
1. From 28 weeks pregnant, in every pregnancy — protects the baby for the first 6 months after birth.
2. 75 and over, or 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition.
3. Older adults need 1 dose, which should protect them for several years.
Who should have it — NHS
| Who | NHS rule | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant | 28 weeks or more, recommended in every pregnancy | 28 weeks is 196 days (our conversion); it protects the baby |
| 75 and over | Eligible | Age alone |
| 65 to 74 | With a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition — not asthma that is under control | Ten ages, 65 to 74 (our count), with a condition |
| Care home for older adults | Eligible | — |
When and how — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant | Offered around the 28-week antenatal appointment; can be given later, up until labour | Not too late if you missed it (ours) |
| 75+, or 65–74 and eligible | GP surgery contacts you by letter, text, phone or email | UK system |
| Care home | Ask a member of staff | — |
| How | Injection in the upper arm, available all year | Not seasonal |
| Doses | Every pregnancy; older adults 1 dose for several years | — |
The NHS says vaccination in pregnancy helps protect each baby for the first 6 months after they’re born — so you have it again in a second pregnancy.
With other vaccines — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| In pregnancy | Can be given with other pregnancy vaccines such as whooping cough and flu, though best to have each as soon as offered | — |
| Older adults | Not usually at the same appointment as flu vaccines, unless a clinician thinks it’s needed | Separate days from flu by default |
| Others | Can be given with COVID-19, shingles and pneumococcal vaccines | — |
Who cannot have it — NHS
Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose or an ingredient. With a high temperature, rearrange until you feel better. One RSV vaccine is used on the NHS (Abrysvo); its ingredients are in the patient leaflet.
Side effects — NHS
| Type | What the NHS says | Worth noting (ours) |
|---|---|---|
| Common | Swelling or pain at the injection site, headache, aching body — mild and short-lived | — |
| Severe allergy | Very rare | — |
| Guillain-Barré syndrome | Very rarely in older adults: tingling or numbness in feet and hands, then muscle weakness and difficulty moving joints | A nerve condition; get it checked (ours) |
The NHS says studies show vaccination in pregnancy is much safer than the risk of the baby getting RSV; many thousands of pregnant women have been vaccinated worldwide, and it is approved by the MHRA.
RSV symptoms and course from the CDC are in RSV; bronchiolitis in babies is in bronchiolitis.
Checklist
- ☐ Ask at the 28-week antenatal appointment — every pregnancy
- ☐ 75 or over: check you’ve had your 1 dose
- ☐ 65 to 74: weakened immunity or a long-term lung condition?
- ☐ Older adults: usually a different day from the flu jab
- ☐ High temperature: wait until better
Questions that remain
Does asthma make me eligible from 65?
The NHS says the long-term lung conditions don’t include asthma that is under control.
Is the RSV vaccine given in pregnancy in Korea?
This page is UK guidance. Ask an obstetrician or check KDCA guidance for Korea (our note).
Sources
- NHS — RSV vaccine — source (page shows: reviewed 1 September 2024, next review due 1 September 2027; checked 22 October 2026). What it protects against, eligibility (28+ weeks pregnant, 75+, 65–74 with conditions, care homes), how to get it, how it’s given and doses, other vaccines, who cannot, side effects and Guillain-Barré, safety in pregnancy.
- Not read. The pharmacy area list, the ingredient leaflet, the Korean schedule.
- What we added. The “worth noting” column and the Korean care gloss.
Where to check further
- An obstetrician or GP — availability in Korea.
Written on 22 October 2026. The content is from the NHS; the glosses are ours.
