Highly effective RSV vaccine offered to eligible Borderers

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a common and highly infectious virus that affects the breathing system. It generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever or reduction in appetite. RSV can be very serious for those who are at the highest risk of serious illness from the infection, including older adults and babies, and those with chronic bronchitis.

The RSV vaccine, which was first offered in Scotland last year, has successfully reduced hospital admissions amongst those who are more vulnerable to serious complications of RSV infection. A Public Health Scotland study published earlier this year showed a 62% reduction in RSV related hospitalisations among the eligible older adult age groups following the vaccine’s introduction in August 2024.

Invitation letters are currently arriving on doorsteps, and we are urging eligible people in the Borders to take up the offer.

People turning 75 years old between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026 will soon receive an invitation to get their RSV vaccine, if they have not received one already.

You can also get the vaccine if you’ve not yet been vaccinated and are aged between 75 and 79. To be eligible, your date of birth should be between 2 August 1945 and 31 July 1950.

The RSV vaccine is also offered during pregnancy, from 28 weeks. RSV is the leading cause of respiratory hospital admissions for young babies in Scotland. Getting vaccinated while pregnant helps to protect newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection. 

Dr Sohail Bhatti, Director of Public Health at NHS Borders, said: “I encourage all eligible people to take up the offer of the RSV vaccine. Getting vaccinated not only helps protect you as an individual, but it also reduces pressure on our health services.

“In older adults, we’ve already seen a drastic drop in hospitalisations thanks to the vaccine. For pregnant women, it offers vital protection for newborns during their most vulnerable early weeks.

“RSV can cause serious illness, especially for these groups. Vaccination is the best way to protect those most at risk, so if you’re offered the RSV vaccine, please play your part and take the protection you are offered.”

More information on the RSV vaccine for older adults is available on NHS Inform. 

More information on the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is also available on NHS Inform.