The life-saving Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme is aimed at protecting newborns and older adults.
RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues and hospitalisation.
From the 1 September 2024 to help protect newborns and infants, pregnant women are being offered the vaccine from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. Adults aged from 75 to 79 years of age will also be offered the RSV vaccination.
Although RSV is similar to influenza, they are different diseases, and therefore the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against RSV. Its therefore important to take up the offer of the RSV vaccine as well as the seasonal flu vaccine and COVID-19 vaccine if eligible.
Pregnant women
Pregnant women are being offered the vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. The timing of the vaccine offer will help protect their newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection.
You can book your appointment here for any of our clinics listed below. Or contact our booking line Tel: 02837560300 Monday -Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm
| Thursday 5th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm 1.30pm - 4.30pm | Parentcraft Room, Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry |
| Wednesday 11th September | 1.30pm - 4.30pm | Outpatients Department, South Tyrone Hospital, Dungannon |
| Friday 13th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm | Outpatients Department, Armagh Community Hospital |
| Monday 16th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm | Outpatients Department, South Tyrone Hospital, Dungannon |
| Tuesday 17th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm | Antenatal Education Room, Craigavon Area Hospital |
| Wednesday 18th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm | Antenatal Education Room, Craigavon Area Hospital |
| Thursday 19th September | 9.30am - 12.30pm | Parentcraft Room, Daisy Hill Hospital, Newry |
Older adults
Those turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be invited by their GP practices from September onwards. The vaccine will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 as part of the ‘catch up’ programme.
Although the programme officially begins on 1 September 2024 individual GP practices will have their own roll-out arrangements which will extend into next year. People who are eligible for vaccination should wait to be invited in the normal way by their GP practice.