RSV Vaccine Factsheet for Patients, Parents and Carers
Summary
The MHRA has published a new patient factsheet on RSV vaccination providing comprehensive information on respiratory syncytial virus, vaccine eligibility criteria, safety monitoring via the Yellow Card scheme, side effects, and pregnancy considerations. The factsheet covers UK-licensed RSV vaccines assessed for safety, quality, and effectiveness. This publication supports informed decision-making for patients, parents, carers, and healthcare providers but does not create new regulatory obligations.
“RSV infection is one of the most common reasons for young babies to be admitted to hospital.”
About this source
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is the UK's medicines and medical devices regulator. MHRA publications include drug safety alerts, device field safety notices, Class 1-4 defect recalls, guidance updates, and the monthly medicines shortage list. Around 55 publications a month. Device field safety notices in particular are useful because MHRA often publishes them hours before other European regulators (ANSM, BfArM) surface the same recall. Watch this if you manufacture or distribute medicines or medical devices in the UK and EU, run a hospital pharmacy, advise on MHRA licensing, or follow post-market surveillance signals across European markets.
What changed
The MHRA published a new patient-facing factsheet on RSV vaccination on 15 April 2026. The document provides structured information on respiratory syncytial virus, vaccine eligibility, simultaneous administration with COVID-19 vaccines, safety monitoring through the Yellow Card scheme, side effects, pregnancy considerations, and contraindications.
Healthcare providers and vaccination programme administrators should be aware this factsheet may be referenced by patients seeking information about RSV vaccine eligibility, particularly for young babies and older adults who face higher risk of serious illness. The document reinforces continuous safety monitoring as standard practice for UK-licensed vaccines.
Archived snapshot
Apr 15, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
Guidance
RSV Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Patients, Parents and Carers
Patient factsheet providing information on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and RSV vaccination.
From: Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Published 15 April 2026 Get emails about this page
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RSV Vaccine Factsheet – Information for Patients, Parents and Carers
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Details
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause coughs, colds, and chest infections. While most people who catch RSV experience only mild illness, RSV can sometimes lead to serious illness, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in young babies, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
RSV infection is one of the most common reasons for young babies to be admitted to hospital. In older adults, RSV can also lead to severe lung infections and breathing difficulties.
Vaccination is one of the safest and most effective ways to protect people who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell with RSV. RSV vaccines used in the UK have been rigorously assessed for safety, quality and effectiveness, and are continuously monitored through the Yellow Card scheme.
This factsheet is designed to help patients, parents and carers understand the RSV vaccines used in the UK. It covers:
- Overview of RSV
- RSV vaccination and eligibility
- Getting RSV and COVID-19 vaccination at the same time
- Safety and effectiveness of RSV vaccines
- RSV vaccine side effects
- RSV vaccine and pregnancy
- Who should not receive the RSV vaccine
- Report side effects to the Yellow Card scheme
Updates to this page
Published 15 April 2026
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