Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

We provide a full range of travel vaccinations and medication

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infections of the lungs and respiratory tract. It’s so common that most children have been infected with the virus by age 2. Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-ul) virus can also infect adults.

RSV can cause severe infection in some people, including babies 12 months and younger (infants), especially premature infants, older adults, people with heart and lung disease, or anyone with a weak immune system (immunocompromised).

Vaccination Pricing

£220 Per dose
£220 Per Course

Signs & Symptoms

  • Sore Throat

  • Congestion

  • Cough

  • Fever

  • Headache

  • Wheezing

Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

231 Worcester Road, Malvern, WR14 1SU

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

worcesterravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

153 Ombersley Road, Worcester, WR3 7BX

The Vaccination

Ages (Years) Doses Required Schedule Time before travel Boost required at
60 years and over 1 – n/a n/a

*only for patients over the age of 60 at time of vaccination.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, is a common and highly contagious virus that infects the respiratory tract. It is one of the most frequent causes of respiratory illness in infants and young children, but it can also lead to serious complications in older adults and those with underlying health conditions. In healthy individuals, RSV typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but in vulnerable groups it can progress to more severe infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is a seasonal virus, with outbreaks more common in autumn and winter. While most people recover fully without medical treatment, it remains a significant cause of hospital admissions among babies under one year of age and can be life-threatening in high-risk populations.

 RSV spreads easily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, as well as through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or hands. The virus can survive for hours on hard surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, and tables, making it particularly easy to spread in settings like nurseries, schools, and care homes. Good hygiene is the best way to prevent the spread of RSV. This includes regular handwashing, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and cleaning shared surfaces frequently. Avoiding close contact with individuals who have cold-like symptoms, especially for high-risk infants and older adults, is also advisable. In recent years, preventative monoclonal antibody treatments and RSV vaccines have become available for certain vulnerable groups.

Currently, there is no routine RSV vaccine offered to the general population in the UK, but vaccines and antibody treatments are available for those at higher risk of complications. For infants born prematurely or with chronic lung or heart conditions, preventive monoclonal antibody therapy may be given during the RSV season, typically lasting a few months. Recently, an RSV vaccine has been licensed for older adults and pregnant women to help protect newborns in their first weeks of life. The duration of protection from these newer vaccines varies but is expected to cover at least one RSV season, which may be sufficient for the age or risk period in question. Ongoing research continues to assess the long-term effectiveness of these preventive measures.

RSV symptoms often resemble those of a common cold, especially in older children and healthy adults. These include a runny nose, cough, sneezing, low-grade fever, and sore throat. In babies and very young children, symptoms can escalate and include wheezing, difficulty breathing, irritability, poor feeding, and signs of dehydration. In severe cases, RSV can lead to bronchiolitis—an inflammation of the small airways in the lungs—or pneumonia, which may require hospital treatment. Symptoms typically appear four to six days after exposure and usually last one to two weeks, though the cough can persist longer. While most people recover fully, those with compromised immune systems, chronic illnesses, or advanced age are more likely to experience complications.

RSV is a global virus and is not limited to any one country or climate. As such, the vaccine is not typically required for travel, and there are no countries that currently mandate RSV vaccination for entry. However, travellers who fall into high-risk groups—such as those with underlying health conditions, pregnant women, or parents of infants—should be aware of RSV prevalence and healthcare access in the regions they are visiting. In tropical areas, RSV may circulate year-round, while in temperate regions it tends to be more seasonal. If you’re travelling with a newborn or have pre-existing respiratory conditions, consult with a healthcare provider before your trip to discuss prevention strategies.

The newer RSV vaccines and antibody treatments are generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild and temporary. Common reactions include soreness at the injection site, fatigue, muscle aches, and mild fever. These symptoms usually resolve within a couple of days. As with any vaccine or injection, more serious side effects such as allergic reactions are rare but possible. The monoclonal antibody treatment used in infants may cause mild injection site irritation or fever, but is considered safe for the vast majority of eligible babies. As RSV vaccine availability expands, safety data continues to be collected, but early results indicate that these preventive options offer an effective and safe means of protecting those most at risk of severe illness.

Use the map below to identify areas of risk for travel.

Simply call the clinic of your choice or send us an email enquiry, and our travel specialists will get back to you as soon as possible.

We’re Waiting To Help You

The Malvern Travel Clinic offers a wide range of vaccines and travel vaccinations.

Contact us today to get your and your loved ones protected.

Same Day Appointments

We are pleased to offer same-day appointments at Malvern Travel Clinic, to ensure you receive prompt and efficient care when you need it most.

Expert Pharmacists

Our team includes expert pharmacists who are dedicated to providing you with personalised and professional healthcare advice.

Competitive Pricing

We offer competitive pricing on our vaccinations to ensure that essential healthcare is both affordable and accessible to everyone.

Striving to cover all your health and medical treatment requirements

We offer a wide range of medical treatments for you and your loved ones.

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