Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccination

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults as it can cause pneumonia and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. 

In the UK, each year it causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged 75 years and over. A new national vaccination programme has been introduced to all 75- to 79-year-olds. Mendip Vale is offering you the opportunity for our eligible patients to get vaccinated and protect yourself in time for the Winter.

Go to the NHS website for more information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv/

When is the RSV Clinics?

We are currently sending letters to all those eligible to have their RSV Vaccination, those aged 75 -79. 

North Somerset 

The North Somerset clinic will be held at Langford Surgery: Saturday 14th September, 1pm -5:15pm 

 

Bristol and South Gloucestershire

All Bristol and South Gloucestershire clinic will be held on Sunday 15th September on the following times at their respective surgeries. 

  • Coniston Medical Practice patients: 9am- 9:30am
  • Sea Mills Surgery Patients:10:30am - 11:00am 
  • Southmead and Henbury Family Practice Patients hosted at Southmead: 12:15pm - 12:45pm 
  • Monks Park Surgery Patients at Orchard School: 2pm - 2:15pm

1. What is the vaccine called and administered?

The RSV Vaccine is called Abrysvo® which is a single one-off dose, administered into your arm.

 

2. Why can’t I get my RSV vaccine with my Covid and Flu Vaccine?

RSV vaccines can be safely co-administered with Shingrix shingles vaccine and pneumococcal vaccines. When administering Abrysvo® to older adults at the same time as seasonal influenza and Covid vaccine it may reduce the immune response to the RSV vaccine. As such should not be administered at the same time.

 

3. I don’t want the vaccine. Do I need to inform the surgery?

It’s not a problem if you do not want the vaccine but, please let us know by ringing the surgery, and we can mark your record as ‘declined’.

 

4. I can’t make the time given to me in my invitation letter

We strongly encourage patients to make every effort to attend for these important vaccinations on the date and time given to you – appointments are spread across the day to avoid over-crowding and queues to keep people safe.  If you are unable to attend the appointment date and time given, the surgery will be in contact with you to arrange an alternative time and date within the next 6 months. Please do not call the surgery.  You do not need to contact the surgery to say you are coming at another day/time.

 

5. Patient spouse/partner has been sent an appointment to one of the clinics, but it’s at a different time. Can they come together?

We have tried to ensure household members are given the same appointment time, but this is not always possible if their first names are at different ends of the alphabet. Households or those who are sharing transport arrangements who have both been sent an invitation are welcome to come together at the same time.

 

5. Can I still have my RSV vaccine with a cold symptoms?

Yes, you can still have your RSV vaccine if you have cold symptoms proving that you do not have an active fever or shortness of breath

 

6. Will there be RSV Vaccination clinics for those who are pregnant?

If you are pregnant and would like to have the RSV vaccination, please contact the practice for an appointment.

 

7. When are the Covid and Flu Vaccinations?

Your Covid and Flu vaccinations have been ordered. We will be inviting all eligible patient in the next few weeks. The clinics will be held in the first two weeks of October. For more information regarding Our Covid and Flu clinics got to Covid-19 Vaccination (mendipvale.nhs.uk)