Travel vaccine
RSV
A vaccine that helps protect older adults against respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of winter chest infections.
Understanding RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common cause of coughs and colds that circulates mostly through the colder months. For many adults it feels like an ordinary cold, but in older people and those with existing heart or lung problems it can lead to bronchitis or pneumonia and sometimes a hospital stay. That is why a protective vaccine has become an important option for the groups most at risk.
How the vaccine helps
The RSV vaccine strengthens your immune response so that an infection is far less likely to turn into a serious chest illness. A single dose is enough for eligible adults, making it a straightforward way to add protection ahead of the winter season.
Who it suits
The vaccine is aimed at older adults and people whose heart or lung health puts them at greater risk. If you are unsure whether it applies to you, we can talk it through and check any NHS eligibility at the same time.
Get in touch
To discuss RSV vaccination, contact Crewe Pharmacy, 139-141 Nantwich Road, on 01270 215837, or visit us during pharmacy opening hours and our team will help you decide.
How it spreads
Spread through respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, and by touching surfaces where the virus has settled.
Who should be vaccinated
Older adults and people with heart or lung conditions who are more likely to become seriously unwell with an RSV chest infection.
Vaccination schedule
A single dose for eligible adults.
Boosters
No routine booster is currently recommended after the single dose.
Possible side effects
Sore arm, tiredness, headache and mild muscle aches for a day or two.
RSV — frequently asked questions
Who needs the RSV vaccine in Crewe?
The RSV vaccine is aimed at older adults and people with existing heart or lung conditions, who are the most likely to become seriously unwell with an RSV chest infection. If a winter cough or cold could put you at risk of bronchitis or pneumonia, it is worth considering. Our Crewe team can talk it through and check whether the vaccine is right for you.
How many doses of the RSV vaccine do I need?
Just one dose of the RSV vaccine is needed for eligible adults, which makes it a simple way to add protection. There is no routine booster currently recommended after that single dose. This means a single appointment at Crewe Pharmacy is usually all it takes to get covered ahead of the colder months.
How long does the RSV vaccine protect you for?
A single dose of the RSV vaccine provides protection across the RSV season and into following seasons, and no routine booster is currently recommended. Guidance on longer-term cover continues to develop as more evidence emerges. For now, one dose is enough for eligible adults, and our team can update you on any future recommendations when you visit.
When is the best time to have the RSV vaccine before winter?
It is best to have your RSV vaccine before the virus starts circulating widely, which is typically through the colder autumn and winter months. Having it ahead of this season gives your immune system time to build protection. Contact Crewe Pharmacy in good time so you are covered before RSV activity picks up locally across Crewe and Cheshire East.
What are the side effects of the RSV vaccine?
The RSV vaccine usually causes only mild, short-lived effects such as a sore arm, tiredness, a headache and some muscle aches for a day or two. These are signs your immune system is responding and they tend to fade quickly. Serious reactions are rare. If anything lingers or worries you, you are welcome to call us on 01270 215837.
Is the RSV vaccine free on the NHS or private?
Some older adults qualify for RSV vaccination free on the NHS, depending on the current eligibility criteria. If you fall outside those criteria but still want protection, we can offer the vaccine privately at Crewe Pharmacy. When you get in touch, we will check your NHS eligibility first and then explain the private option if it suits you better.
How much does the RSV vaccine cost at Crewe Pharmacy?
The RSV vaccine is £225 at Crewe Pharmacy when given privately. If you qualify for it free on the NHS, we will tell you when you contact us, so you only pay if the private route is the right choice for you. To book or ask about cost, call 01270 215837 or visit us at 139-141 Nantwich Road.
How is RSV spread and who is most at risk?
RSV spreads through respiratory droplets when someone coughs or sneezes, and by touching surfaces where the virus has settled and then touching your face. For many adults it feels like an ordinary cold, but older people and those with heart or lung conditions are most at risk of it leading to bronchitis, pneumonia or a hospital stay. Vaccination helps reduce that risk.