On this page
RSV is a common virus that spreads in autumn and winter. Almost all children have had RSV by the time they are two years old. It is common for older children and adults to have the virus again.
For most people, RSV causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold. However, babies under one year of age and older adults are at risk of becoming very unwell. Sometimes, people who get ill from RSV infection need to go to hospital. RSV can be more dangerous for some people, especially those with certain health conditions. It may even cause death.
RSV illness puts extra pressure on the NHS during winter. The number of people needing hospital care because of RSV has gone up in the last 20 years.
Before the RSV vaccination programme started in the UK, around 33,500 children under five went to hospital because of the virus each year. Every winter in England and Wales, RSV is thought to cause 5,000 to 7,500 deaths in older adults. Most of these deaths are in adults over 75 years.
RSV is spread through close contact with infected people. When infected people cough or sneeze, they release tiny droplets containing the virus into the air. RSV can also be spread by people touching surfaces or objects that have the virus on them. Most people will have had the virus before as a child. However, having a previous RSV infection may not mean you continue to be protected, so you could get RSV again.
In September 2023, vaccine experts advised the Government to introduce an RSV vaccination programme for babies and older adults. Wales started the programme in September 2024.
The RSV programme was introduced to help protect babies and older adults from serious illness each autumn and winter. The programme also aims to reduce the need for hospital care and GP visits caused by RSV.
RSV can make newborn babies and infants very unwell.
It can cause lung infections called bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These conditions can make it hard for babies to breathe and to feed. They may need hospital care to help them get better.
The RSV vaccine is offered during pregnancy to help protect babies against serious illness caused by RSV during their first months of life.
For more information about the maternal RSV vaccination programme, visit: The RSV programme for pregnant women and their babies - Public Health Wales
In older adults, RSV can cause severe breathing problems, particularly in those who are frail or have other health conditions. RSV infection might cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or even death.
For more information about the RSV vaccination programme for older adults, visit:
RSV vaccination information for older adults - Public Health Wales