Travel vaccination

RSV Vaccination

The RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of chest and lung infections. It is mainly recommended for older adults and during pregnancy to protect newborn babies.

£225 per dose

£225 per dose — single-dose course

Who it is for

Older adults and people during pregnancy to protect newborn babies

Number of doses

A single dose

When to have it

Ideally before the autumn and winter RSV season

How long protection lasts

Several years from a single dose (trial data show at least two seasons)

How it is given

An injection into the upper arm

Price

£225 per dose

Quick answer

The RSV vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of serious chest and lung infections. It is mainly recommended for older adults and can be given during pregnancy to protect newborn babies, rather than for travel. The RSV vaccine is available at Crewe Travel Clinic in Crewe, Cheshire.

About RSV Vaccination

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that causes infections of the lungs and airways. In most people it leads to mild, cold-like symptoms, but in older adults and very young infants it can cause more serious chest infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

The virus spreads easily through coughs, sneezes and close contact, and tends to circulate most during the autumn and winter months. Older people and those with underlying heart or lung conditions are at greater risk of severe illness.

The RSV vaccine helps the body build protection and is usually given as a single dose. It is offered to older adults and may be given during pregnancy to help protect newborn babies in their first months of life. Our clinician will assess your age, health or pregnancy and individual circumstances to advise whether vaccination is suitable for you.

Timing

Ideally before RSV season

The vaccine is ideally given ahead of the autumn and winter season when RSV circulates most, and in pregnancy it is given to help protect the baby after birth.

Effectiveness

Good level of protection

The vaccine provides good protection against serious RSV-related chest infections in older adults, and vaccination in pregnancy helps protect newborn babies in their early months.

Duration

Several years from a single dose

A single dose is designed to provide protection across multiple RSV seasons, with current trial data showing protection lasting at least two years; there is currently no recommendation for revaccination after the first dose.

Signs & symptoms

  • A runny or blocked nose
  • A persistent cough
  • Sneezing and a sore throat
  • Wheezing or shortness of breath
  • Tiredness and a high temperature
  • Difficulty breathing or a worsening chest infection in those at higher risk

Who should consider this vaccine?

RSV vaccination is mainly recommended for older adults and may be given during pregnancy to protect newborn babies in their first months. It is especially relevant for those at greater risk of severe chest infections, including people with underlying heart or lung conditions. Our clinician will assess your age, health or pregnancy before recommending it.

High Risk Areas

RSV is not linked to travel destinations and circulates worldwide, mainly during the autumn and winter months. Those most affected include older adults, very young infants, and people with underlying heart or lung conditions or weakened immune systems.

Traveller Risk Factors

This vaccine is largely age, health and pregnancy related rather than travel related. It is most relevant for older adults, pregnant women seeking to protect their newborn, and people with chronic heart or lung conditions, who are at greater risk of severe RSV infection.

Who should have this vaccine

RSV vaccination is mainly recommended for older adults and may be advised during pregnancy to help protect newborn babies in their first months of life. It is particularly relevant for people at greater risk of severe chest infections. A clinician will assess your age, health and pregnancy status before recommending vaccination.

  • Older adults, particularly those aged 75 and over
  • People during pregnancy, to protect the baby after birth
  • Those with long-term heart or lung conditions
  • People with a weakened immune system who may be more vulnerable to severe illness

The vaccination course

The RSV vaccine is given as a single dose, delivered as an injection into the upper arm. It is ideally given ahead of the autumn and winter months, when RSV circulates most. In pregnancy it is timed to help pass protection to the baby before birth.

  • A single dose provides protection across the RSV season
  • No booster dose is currently recommended after the first dose
  • Best given before the autumn and winter season begins
  • In pregnancy the timing is chosen to protect the newborn

How long does protection last

A single dose is designed to provide protection across more than one RSV season. Current trial data show good protection against serious RSV-related chest infections lasting at least two years, and there is no current recommendation for revaccination.

  • Protection is intended to span multiple RSV seasons
  • Trial evidence shows protection for at least two years
  • Vaccination in pregnancy protects the baby in their early months
  • Revaccination after the first dose is not currently advised

Possible side effects

Most side effects are mild and settle within a few days. Serious reactions are rare. A clinician will discuss any individual considerations with you before vaccination and advise on what to expect afterwards.

  • Tenderness, redness or swelling at the injection site
  • Tiredness and headache
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • A mild high temperature that usually passes quickly

Frequently asked questions

Medically reviewed by Crewe Travel Clinic clinical team · Last reviewed 13 June 2026

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