• UKHSA advises people in the UK to take care as the cases of flu, RSV and COVID-19 are expected to surge this winter¹ 

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus particularly during winter and is a common cause of cough and colds and in serious cases can lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia 

• Boots launches private RSV vaccination service across selected Boots stores, adding to its broad range of existing private vaccination services including COVID-19 and winter flu jab 

Boots has become the first multiple pharmacy to launch a private Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination Service, now available at 75 stores across the UK.* 

The UKHSA advises people in the UK to take care this winter as cases of flu, COVID-19 and RSV are expected to surge. RSV is a respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period as people tend to spend more time indoors and in close proximity to others.  

Symptoms often include a high temperature, runny or blocked nose, coughing and sneezing. The virus is not usually serious, but some babies and older adults can be at increased risk of complications which can potentially lead to bronchiolitis and pneumonia. The virus currently accounts for around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 and around 9,000 for those aged over 75 in the UK annually.²  

The Boots RSV Vaccination Service is suitable for those who are aged 60 years and over and for pregnant individuals aged 18 years and above, who are between week 28 and week 36 of pregnancy. The NHS currently offers a free RSV vaccination for patients aged between 75 to 79 and women who are over 28 weeks pregnant.  

The Boots private service provides an option for people who are not eligible for a free NHS vaccination but still want to protect themselves from the virus.  

Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist for Boots UK, said: “RSV can be unpleasant and potentially life-threatening for certain people. The private vaccination service is a great option for those who aren’t eligible on the NHS, but still want to protect themselves. In general, getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to help protect yourself and help reduce the spread of the virus to others this winter.” 

To help patients understand more about the RSV vaccination, Claire answers some key questions:  

Can I get the RSV vaccination at the same time as other vaccinations? 

“For people 60 years and over RSV is not usually given at the same appointment as your flu or COVID-19 vaccinations, but you can still have them at the same time if a doctor, nurse or pharmacist advises. If you're pregnant, you can have the RSV vaccination at the same time as other pregnancy vaccinations, such as the whooping cough and flu, at your usual check-up appointments.” 

Does the RSV vaccination have side effects?   

“Like any vaccination, it is normal to experience mild side effects after receiving an RSV vaccination. These side effects are a result of your body's natural immune response as it builds protection against the virus. The most common side effects can include swelling or pain where the injection was given, a headache or an aching body.” 

How long does the vaccination protect me against RSV for?   

“In line with government guidelines, the RSV vaccination is expected to provide good protection for at least two years and is expected to last longer.” 

The Boots RSV Vaccination Service is a single dose vaccination and will cost £245. Appointments can be booked online.

The service is the latest addition to Boots’ expanding range of private vaccination services. Boots currently offers nine private vaccination services for viruses such as winter flu, COVID-19, chickenpox, pneumonia, shingles, meningitis B and HPV. It also offers vaccination services on behalf of the NHS, including flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. A full list of services is available at boots.com/vaccinations.

*The service is now available in 75 stores. Eligibility criteria apply. Charges will apply. Subject to availability. To find your nearest store visit boots.com/vaccinations. 

1 NHS England » NHS kicks off COVID and flu jabs to protect against ‘tripledemic’ 

2 What is RSV and is there a vaccine? – UK Health Security Agency (blog.gov.uk)