How long RSV vaccine protection lasts and when you might need a booster

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) can hit older adults and pregnant women hard, causing severe pneumonia and hospitalisation. If you are over 60 or pregnant, you have probably wondered whether an RSV vaccine is worth having, and if so, whether you will need boosters every year like flu or whether protection lasts longer. The honest answer is that we are still learning, because these vaccines are new and real-world data is still being gathered.

What RSV vaccine actually protects against

RSV is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms in most people. In older adults it can develop into lower respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, and breathing problems serious enough to need hospital care. In pregnant women, it can pass antibodies to the newborn, protecting them in their first months of life when they are most vulnerable to severe RSV.

Two RSV vaccines are now available in the UK: Arexvy and Abrysvo. Both work by showing your immune system a protein from the RSV virus, so your body recognises and fights it if you encounter the real virus later. They do not stop you catching RSV entirely, but they sharply reduce the chance of severe disease.

How long protection lasts so far

Arexvy has been monitored for longer. Trial data shows protection against severe RSV disease remained strong through the first year, and real-world evidence from countries using it since 2023 suggests protection is holding up well into the second year. Abrysvo, approved slightly later, shows similar patterns in trial data through year one, but we have less long-term follow-up.

The key point is that neither vaccine has been in use long enough to say with certainty whether protection lasts five years, ten years, or somewhere in between. Manufacturers and health authorities are watching closely. If protection does fade, a booster might be needed every few years rather than annually, but that is not yet confirmed.

Why duration matters more for older adults

If you are over 60, the question of booster frequency matters more to you than it does to a younger person. Your immune system responds more slowly to vaccines, so you get less dramatic protection from a single dose. A booster every few years would be manageable. A booster every single year would be more of a commitment, though still straightforward.

If you are pregnant, you only need one dose. The antibodies you make cross the placenta and protect your newborn for the first few months, which is when RSV is most dangerous for them. You do not need a booster during pregnancy or after birth.

What the pharmacy will tell you about future boosters

At Kenmakos Medical in Milton Keynes, we watch the emerging data carefully. Right now, a single RSV vaccine dose is recommended for older adults. Whether a booster will be offered in future years depends on what the data shows about how long protection lasts and how well it holds up in real life.

If you have the vaccine this year, we will keep you informed as guidance changes. Some pharmacies offer reminder systems for vaccines that need repeating, and we can discuss that with you when you book. The honest position is that we do not yet know whether RSV will become an annual vaccine like flu, a three-yearly one like shingles boosters, or something else entirely.

Common questions

Can I have RSV vaccine if I have had RSV before?

Yes. Previous infection does not give you reliable protection, especially as you age. The vaccine works even if you have caught RSV in the past.

Which vaccine will I be offered?

That depends on what is available at the time of your appointment and any specific guidance about which is preferred for your age group. Both are effective. The pharmacy will confirm which one you are receiving when you book.

Will I feel ill after the RSV vaccine?

Most people have no side effects at all. Some experience a sore arm, mild tiredness, or a low-grade temperature for a day or two. These are signs your immune system is responding and usually settle quickly.

Can I have RSV vaccine at the same time as flu or COVID vaccine?

Yes. Many older adults have all three in one appointment, typically in different arms. There is no interaction between them.

If I am pregnant, when should I have the vaccine?

RSV vaccine in pregnancy is typically given in the third trimester, usually from 32 weeks onwards. This timing gives your baby the best protection in their first months. Discuss the exact timing with the pharmacy or your midwife.

What if I am immunocompromised?

If your immune system is weakened by medication or illness, seek personalised advice from your GP or specialist before booking, as the vaccine's effectiveness and any timing considerations may differ for you.

Kenmakos Medical in Milton Keynes offers RSV vaccination for eligible older adults and pregnant women. We keep up to date as new guidance emerges about booster schedules, and we can answer your specific questions about whether the vaccine is right for you and what to expect on the day.

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