NHS Vaccinations

From 1 September 2024 the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine will be available to help protect young babies and older people from becoming seriously unwell from the respiratory virus.

Who is eligible for the new vaccine:

• All pregnant women from 28 weeks pregnancy until delivery.
• Older adults aged 75-79.

Where can I get the RSV vaccine in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland:

If you are currently pregnant there are several ways in which you can get the RSV vaccine this autumn. You can:

• Visit one of the mobile vaccination clinics across LLR. Mobile vaccination clinics offer all eligible people the opportunity to get vaccinated without booking an appointment and to walk-in when suitable for them. View a full list of upcoming clinics below.
• Attend one of the open access vaccination clinics in the antenatal departments at either the Leicester Royal Infirmary or the Leicester General Hospital every weekday, 9:00am until 4:30pm, starting from Monday 16 September 2024.
• Alternatively, you can contact your midwife or your GP practice.

Older adults will be contacted by their GP practice to get vaccinated, but all eligible adults can also attend any of the mobile vaccination walk-in clinics.

Severe RSV is most common in infants under 1 years old. Babies are particularly vulnerable to RSV lung infections as they have small airways and have limited immunity against the virus. RSV infection in infants can cause a condition called bronchiolitis which is inflammation and blockage of the small air tubes in the lung. Infants with severe bronchiolitis may need intensive care and the infection can be fatal.

During pregnancy the new vaccine boosts women’s immune system to make antibodies which are then passed through the placenta to help protect the baby from birth.

Vaccination reduces the risk of severe RSV lung infection by around 70% in the first six months of life.

Based on a recent study in the Lancet, in the East Midlands the new programme could prevent 388 hospital admissions and 1163 A&E attendances for infants each year – a critical, life-saving step forward to help front line staff prepare for increased winter pressures.

Find out more about the RSV vaccination.