RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections.
For most adults and children, RSV infection causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold, which usually gets better on its own. However, for some, especially babies under one year of age and older adults, RSV can be very serious and can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
At least half of all children have RSV in the first year of life and almost all will have had it by the time they are two.
You should be offered the vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment. If you haven’t heard by this time, contact your midwife or your GP to make an appointment.
The vaccine is more effective between 28 and 36 weeks of pregnancy. If you miss your vaccine, you can have it until your baby is born. However, if you have it later in pregnancy it may not be as effective.