For adults aged 60 and over (from 50 in some cases) and for pregnant women from 28 weeks. Free on the NHS from 75, at 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or long-term lung condition, and in pregnancy.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 27aNon-live vaccine
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes coughs and colds in most people but can lead to pneumonia in older adults and bronchiolitis in babies. A single dose protects older adults for several years. Vaccination in pregnancy passes protection to the baby for its first six months.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
Privately✕Not given
No RSV vaccine is licensed for infants
On the NHSFree for some
Babies are protected through their mother's vaccination in pregnancy. High-risk infants may be offered an antibody injection (nirsevimab) by their specialist.
2 to 17 years
Privately✕Not given
Not licensed for this age group.
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered.
18 to 49 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Pregnant women from 24 weeks (licence); adults 18 to 49 only if at increased risk, on clinician assessment
On the NHSFree for some
Free for pregnant women from 28 weeks of every pregnancy. Not otherwise offered in this age band.
50 to 64 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Licensed from 60 for everyone; from 50 if at increased risk of severe RSV (Arexvy)
On the NHSNot offered
Not offered on the NHS in this band (other than in pregnancy). Pay privately from 60, or from 50 if you have a qualifying condition.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Licensed from 60, single dose
On the NHSFree for some
Free on the NHS from age 75, and at 65 to 74 if you have a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition (well-controlled asthma does not count). Other 65 to 74 year olds pay privately.
Latest figures
How much RSV is about right now
Live from official surveillance. Refreshed every few hours.
0.4%
↓ Easing
RSV tests coming back positive
Easing week on week · to 14 Sept 2026
England · UKHSA data dashboard
Sources: UKHSA data dashboard.Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.Figures describe disease activity and vaccine uptake, not your eligibility.
Recommended for
Adults aged 75 and over, and those aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system or long-term lung condition (NHS)
Anyone aged 60 and over who wants protection (privately)
Pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect the newborn
Adults aged 50 to 59 with heart, lung or kidney disease, diabetes or a weakened immune system (privately, clinician assessment)
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction to an RSV vaccine or one of its ingredients
Children and, outside pregnancy, adults under 50
If you have a fever, the vaccine is usually postponed
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — a common cause of coughs and colds that can lead to pneumonia and other serious breathing problems in older adults and infants.
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When to have it
At any time — available all year round
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How long it lasts
Several years (single dose)
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Soreness or swelling at the injection site, a headache, or an aching body. Usually mild and short-lived.
Common questions
RSV vaccine: your questions answered
Can I get the RSV vaccine at 65 if I am not eligible on the NHS?
Yes. The RSV vaccines are licensed from age 60 (and from 50 for people at increased risk), so anyone aged 60 to 74 can have it privately. The NHS offers it from 75, and from 65 if you have a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition.
Is the RSV vaccine a single dose?
Yes. One dose gives protection for at least two to three years in older adults. There is currently no routine booster.
Is the RSV vaccine live?
No. Both UK vaccines (Abrysvo and Arexvy) are non-live protein vaccines, so they can be given to people with a weakened immune system.
Why is RSV vaccine given in pregnancy?
RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in babies. A dose from 28 weeks lets antibodies cross the placenta and protects the baby for the first months of life, when the illness is most dangerous.
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GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.