At Balance Pharmacy, we offer private RSV vaccination for:
Adults aged 60+
Pregnant women between 28–36 weeks’ gestation (Abrysvo®)
What Is RSV?
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is a contagious virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While most people recover within 1–2 weeks, RSV can cause serious illness in:
Older adults (60+)
Pregnant individuals
Newborn babies (via maternal vaccination protection)
People with weakened immune systems
Those with chronic heart or lung conditions
RSV season typically peaks during autumn and winter.
WHO IT’S FOR
Who Can Use the Service?
Who Is Eligible for a Private RSV Vaccine?
You can receive the RSV vaccine if:
You are 60 years of age or older, OR
You are pregnant between 28–36 weeks’ gestation (Abrysvo®), AND
You can provide valid consent
Private vaccination is also suitable if:
You need RSV protection but do not qualify for the NHS vaccine, or
You do qualify for the NHS vaccine but prefer to receive it privately (e.g., for convenience)
Who Cannot Receive the RSV Vaccine?
The vaccine is not suitable if:
You do not provide valid consent
You are under 60 (unless receiving Abrysvo in pregnancy)
You are pregnant but not between 28–36 weeks, or you have already given birth
You have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine or any of its ingredients
You have already completed an RSV vaccine course for the current season
You currently have a severe acute febrile illness (a minor cold is not a contraindication)
You have a bleeding disorder and require subcutaneous administration (RSV vaccines must be given intramuscularly)
WHO IT’S FOR
Who Can Use the Service?
Who Is Eligible for a Private RSV Vaccine?
You can receive the RSV vaccine if:
You are 60 years of age or older, OR
You are pregnant between 28–36 weeks’ gestation (Abrysvo®), AND
You can provide valid consent
Private vaccination is also suitable if:
You need RSV protection but do not qualify for the NHS vaccine, or
You do qualify for the NHS vaccine but prefer to receive it privately (e.g., for convenience)
Who Cannot Receive the RSV Vaccine?
The vaccine is not suitable if:
You do not provide valid consent
You are under 60 (unless receiving Abrysvo in pregnancy)
You are pregnant but not between 28–36 weeks, or you have already given birth
You have had a confirmed anaphylactic reaction to this vaccine or any of its ingredients
You have already completed an RSV vaccine course for the current season
You currently have a severe acute febrile illness (a minor cold is not a contraindication)
You have a bleeding disorder and require subcutaneous administration (RSV vaccines must be given intramuscularly)
Important Cautions Before Vaccination
Moderate–severe fever: reschedule your appointment until symptoms improve.
Pregnancy before 28 weeks: vaccination should be postponed until week 28–36 to maximise protection for the newborn.
Pregnancy before 28 weeks: vaccination should be postponed until week 28–36 to maximise protection for the newborn.
Bleeding disorders: increased risk of bleeding from intramuscular injections—your vaccinator will assess suitability.
Immunocompromised individuals: may have a lower immune response to the vaccine.
Multiple vaccines: If receiving RSV alongside other vaccines, they should be administered in different limbs, at least 2.5 cm apart if in the same limb.
Important Cautions Before Vaccination
Moderate–severe fever: reschedule your appointment until symptoms improve.
Pregnancy before 28 weeks: vaccination should be postponed until week 28–36 to maximise protection for the newborn.
Pregnancy before 28 weeks: vaccination should be postponed until week 28–36 to maximise protection for the newborn.
Bleeding disorders: increased risk of bleeding from intramuscular injections—your vaccinator will assess suitability.
Immunocompromised individuals: may have a lower immune response to the vaccine.
Multiple vaccines: If receiving RSV alongside other vaccines, they should be administered in different limbs, at least 2.5 cm apart if in the same limb.
Scheduling alongside other vaccines:
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Schedule: |
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|---|---|
| A minimum 2-week gap is recommended between Abrysvo and Tdap (whooping cough) in pregnancy. | RSV vaccines can be given with flu or COVID vaccines, but immune response may be slightly lower—spacing them out can be considered. |
Arexvy® (for adults 60+)
A single-dose RSV vaccine designed to protect older adults from severe lower respiratory tract disease.
Abrysvo® (for pregnancy 28–36 weeks)
A maternal RSV vaccine that protects newborns through passive immunity immediately after birth.
Administered intramuscularly, preferably into the upper arm (deltoid)
Given as a single dose
You will be observed for 15 minutes after vaccination
30 minutes if you have a history of severe allergy or unexplained anaphylaxis
Most side effects are mild and short-lived.
Common: Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle pain or Fever or chills
Less common: Nausea, Joint pain, Localised swelling
Rare but important: Allergic reactions (your vaccinator is trained to manage these) Seek urgent medical attention if you develop: Chest pain, Shortness of breath or a racing or irregular heartbeat
These may indicate myocarditis or pericarditis (very rare).
Abrysvo® is the only RSV vaccine licensed for pregnancy (28–36 weeks).
Babies born to women who received Abrysvo® can be safely breastfed.
Arexvy® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Yes. Receiving a private RSV vaccine does not remove your eligibility for the NHS vaccine.
However, current guidance recommends avoiding repeat vaccination within 24 months unless advised otherwise (this may change as more data becomes available).
Book Your RSV Vaccine
Protect yourself—or your baby—from RSV with a convenient private vaccination appointment.
Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.
