Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs. In Northern Ireland, a new vaccination programme is available which can protect older people against RSV. People who are eligible for the vaccine. The Practice will contact you and invite you for vaccination if you are in any of the eligible groups. You are eligible for the vaccine if you:

• turn 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024
• are aged 75 to 79 years old
• are aged 80 years old (vaccine available up to and including 31 August 2025)

If you are not yet 75, the Practice will invite you after you have reached your 75^th birthday.

What is RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)?

RSV infection often causes symptoms similar to a cold including cough, sore throat, sneezing and a runny or blocked nose. It can also make you become wheezy or short of breath and lead to pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions. 

How do you catch RSV?

RSV infections can occur all year round but cases peak every winter. RSV can spread through coughs and sneezes. The best way to protect yourself is to have the vaccine.

 For more information please click here