RSV vaccine

Description

What is the RSV Vaccine?

The RSV Vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common virus that infects the lungs and airways. Whilst RSV often causes mild cold-like symptoms, it can lead to serious respiratory illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in older adults, pregnant women, newborn babies and people with certain underlying health conditions.

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe RSV infection and its complications.

At The Kingston Pharmacy, the RSV Vaccine is provided as part of our clinician-led vaccination service following a suitability assessment by our trained healthcare professionals.

Vaccine Information

The RSV Vaccine available at The Kingston Pharmacy is:

• Abrysvo®

Abrysvo® is a non-live (recombinant) vaccine that is licensed for adults aged 60 years and over, as well as pregnant women to help protect their babies against RSV during the first six months of life.

For most eligible individuals, a single dose provides protection and routine booster doses are not currently recommended.

Our healthcare professional will advise whether the vaccine is suitable for you based on your age, medical history and individual circumstances.

How Does the RSV Vaccine Work?

Abrysvo® works by stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies against respiratory syncytial virus.

These antibodies help your body recognise and fight the virus if you are exposed in the future, reducing the risk of severe RSV infection and its complications.

When given during pregnancy, protective antibodies are passed from mother to baby through the placenta, helping protect newborn babies during their first few months of life when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV disease.

Vaccination may help to:

• Reduce the risk of severe RSV infection
• Lower the risk of RSV-related pneumonia
• Reduce the risk of hospitalisation
• Protect newborn babies when administered during pregnancy
• Provide long-lasting immune protection

Who May Be Suitable for the RSV Vaccine?

The RSV Vaccine may be suitable for:

• Adults aged 60 years and over.
• Pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their baby after birth.
• Adults who may be at increased risk of severe RSV following clinical assessment.

Our healthcare professional will assess your medical history and vaccination status to determine whether the vaccine is suitable for you.

How is the Vaccine Given?

The RSV Vaccine is administered as a single injection into the upper arm by one of our trained healthcare professionals.

For most eligible individuals, one dose is recommended to provide protection against RSV. Routine annual vaccination is not currently required.

After your vaccination, you will be asked to remain in the pharmacy for a short period so we can ensure you feel well before leaving.

Potential Benefits

When administered appropriately, the RSV Vaccine may:

• Help protect against severe RSV infection
• Reduce the risk of pneumonia and other respiratory complications
• Lower the likelihood of hospital admission
• Help protect newborn babies when given during pregnancy
• Offer convenient vaccination within a community pharmacy setting

Possible Side Effects

Like all vaccines, the RSV Vaccine can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common side effects may include:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the injection site
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Fatigue
• Mild fever
• Feeling generally unwell

These side effects are usually mild and resolve within a few days.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction following vaccination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who should consider the RSV Vaccine?

The RSV Vaccine may be suitable for:

• Adults aged 60 years and over.
• Pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
• Adults at increased risk of severe RSV infection.

How many doses will I need?

For most eligible individuals, one dose is recommended. Routine booster doses are not currently advised.

Can I have the RSV Vaccine if I’ve already had RSV?

Yes. Previous RSV infection does not provide lifelong immunity. Vaccination can still help reduce your risk of severe illness from future infections.

Can I receive other vaccines at the same appointment?

In many cases, yes. Your healthcare professional will advise whether the RSV Vaccine can be administered alongside other vaccines, such as the flu or COVID-19 vaccine.

Do I need an appointment?

Yes. Appointments are required so that we can assess your suitability, answer any questions and administer the vaccine safely.

Our RSV Vaccination Service

At The Kingston Pharmacy, we provide a personalised, clinician-led vaccination service designed to help protect you against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Before vaccination, you will complete a confidential consultation covering your:

• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous vaccinations
• Allergies
• Pregnancy status (where applicable)
• Relevant medical conditions

Your consultation will be carefully reviewed by one of our trained healthcare professionals, who will assess whether the vaccine is appropriate for you and answer any questions before your vaccination.

Convenient Appointment Times

Once your appointment has been booked, you can attend The Kingston Pharmacy at a convenient time for your vaccination.

Our trained clinicians administer vaccinations in a private consultation room, ensuring your comfort, privacy and safety throughout your appointment.

 

Vaccination Advice and Support
As your local community pharmacy, we are available to answer any questions you may have before or after your appointment. Whether you would like advice about possible side effects, RSV prevention or future vaccinations, our friendly pharmacy team is always happy to help.

You can contact us by telephone, email or by visiting the pharmacy, and we will be happy to answer any questions or address any concerns you may have.

 

Important Information

The RSV Vaccine is not suitable for everyone and should only be administered following an appropriate clinical assessment.

Although vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe RSV disease, no vaccine provides complete protection. It is still important to seek medical advice if you develop symptoms of a significant respiratory infection.

Always inform your healthcare professional of any allergies, previous vaccine reactions, pregnancy or current illness before receiving the vaccine.