Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Service in Worcester

Your one stop Vaccination Clinic

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 is so common that most children will have been infected by the age of two. RSV can also affect adults. In some individuals, the infection can be severe—particularly in babies under 12 months, especially those born prematurely, as well as older adults, people with heart or lung conditions, and those with weakened immune systems.

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Vaccination Pricing

£220 Per dose

Signs & Symptoms

Sore Throat
Congestion
Cough
Fever
Headache
Wheezing

Claines Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01905 453 703

Email: worcestertravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Claines Pharmacy 153 Ombersley Rd, Worcester, WR3 7BX

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Evans Pharmacy & Travel Clinic

General Contact & Travel Vaccination

Tel: 01684 575 216

Email: malverntravelclinic@raylane.co.uk

Evans Pharmacy 231 Worcester Rd, Malvern, WR14 1SU

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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.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus, commonly referred to as RSV, is a highly contagious virus that affects the respiratory tract, particularly in young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems. It is one of the most common causes of respiratory infections worldwide and is known to cause a range of illnesses, from mild cold-like symptoms to severe lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. In infants under one year of age, RSV is a leading cause of hospital admissions due to breathing difficulties. Although most healthy children and adults recover fully within a week or two, RSV can be serious or even life-threatening in vulnerable groups. The virus spreads easily through respiratory droplets and contaminated surfaces, making it particularly prevalent during the colder months when people spend more time indoors. Despite its widespread nature and potential severity, there is currently no specific antiviral treatment for RSV, though several vaccines and monoclonal antibody products are now available or in development to prevent serious illness.

How does it spread and how to prevent it?

RSV spreads through direct contact with respiratory secretions from infected individuals. This can occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or when someone touches contaminated surfaces such as doorknobs, toys, or shared utensils and then touches their face, particularly the eyes, nose, or mouth. The virus can survive for several hours on hard surfaces, making hygiene and environmental cleanliness critical in preventing its spread. Young children, especially those in daycare or nursery settings, are particularly susceptible and often act as sources of transmission within families. Preventive measures include frequent handwashing with soap and water, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and disinfecting commonly touched surfaces. For vulnerable groups such as premature infants, the elderly, or those with chronic lung or heart conditions, a preventive injection of monoclonal antibodies may be offered during RSV season to reduce the risk of severe illness. Additionally, new vaccines aimed at protecting older adults and pregnant women (to provide immunity to newborns) are being rolled out to help reduce hospitalisations and complications.

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of RSV infection typically appear four to six days after exposure and vary in severity depending on age and overall health. In most healthy adults and older children, RSV causes mild symptoms similar to a common cold, such as a runny nose, sneezing, coughing, sore throat, mild headache, and low-grade fever. However, in infants, especially those under six months, the symptoms may be more subtle or severe, including irritability, poor feeding, wheezing, rapid or laboured breathing, and in some cases, bluish skin due to lack of oxygen. In high-risk individuals such as the elderly or those with chronic health problems, RSV can lead to serious complications including bronchiolitis, pneumonia, and exacerbations of asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The illness generally lasts for one to two weeks, but severe cases may require hospitalisation, oxygen therapy, or intensive care. Parents and caregivers should seek medical attention promptly if an infant or high-risk individual displays signs of difficulty breathing, high fever, or dehydration.

How long does the vaccine last?

RSV vaccines are a relatively recent development, with products now available for specific high-risk groups such as older adults and pregnant women. These vaccines are designed to provide immunity during the peak RSV season, which typically lasts from autumn through spring in the UK. The protection offered by the vaccine is intended to last for one season, meaning annual vaccination may be recommended, much like the flu vaccine. For pregnant women, the vaccine is given in the third trimester to pass protective antibodies to the unborn child, offering crucial immunity during the infant’s first months of life when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV infection. For older adults, the vaccine boosts the body’s immune response, reducing the risk of hospitalisation and serious respiratory complications. The effectiveness of these vaccines continues to be evaluated through ongoing clinical studies, but early results show a significant reduction in severe disease and hospital admissions, especially among those aged 60 and over.

Countries I need the vaccine for

RSV is a global virus and is not limited to a specific region, so the need for vaccination is not based on travel destination in the way it might be for diseases like yellow fever or typhoid. Instead, the decision to vaccinate is based on personal risk factors and local RSV seasonality. In temperate climates such as the UK, the RSV season typically spans from October to March, with the highest infection rates seen during winter months. However, travellers planning extended stays in areas with known seasonal RSV activity—especially if they are pregnant, elderly, or have underlying health conditions—may benefit from receiving the vaccine prior to departure. In tropical climates, RSV can circulate year-round or have multiple peaks. Those travelling to countries with limited healthcare access may also consider immunisation to reduce the risk of severe illness while abroad. Ultimately, vaccination is determined more by health status and timing than by geography.

Vaccine side effects

The RSV vaccine is generally safe and well tolerated, with most reported side effects being mild and temporary. Common side effects include redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site, along with fatigue, headache, and mild fever. These symptoms typically resolve within a few days. In clinical trials, serious adverse reactions were extremely rare, and the safety profile has been deemed acceptable for routine use in target populations. For pregnant women, side effects are similar to those of other maternal vaccines and are closely monitored to ensure safety for both mother and baby. As with any vaccination, there is a very small risk of allergic reaction, and individuals with a known allergy to any component of the vaccine should avoid it. Healthcare professionals assess individual suitability based on medical history and current health status. The benefits of vaccination—particularly in reducing hospitalisation and severe outcomes for high-risk individuals—far outweigh the minor and usually short-lived side effects.