The NHS in Birmingham and Solihull is now offering immunisation at selected local pharmacies across the city and borough to make it easier for eligible people to get protected against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) - a common infectious illness, usually causing coughs and colds.

RSV infections can get better by themselves but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. In babies, RSV is a common cause of a type of chest infection called bronchiolitis, and it can cause pneumonia in both babies and older adults.

First available in September 2024, the NHS has been encouraging those aged 75 to 79 to come forward for their RSV immunisation via their GP practice, and pregnant women over 28 weeks have also been offered it by their local maternity service – helping to protect their babies from RSV after they’re born.

From July 2025, selected pharmacies across Birmingham and Solihull can now provide the RSV immunisation to eligible patients as part of a phased national roll out across community pharmacies in England. Pregnant women can also receive a pertussis vaccine to protect their babies after 20 weeks.

To book an RSV immunisation, patients can visit the NHS website to book an appointment or to find their nearest participating pharmacy for a walk-in option.

Helen Kelly, Chief Nurse at NHS Birmingham and Solihull, said: “Expanding the availability of the RSV immunisation to community pharmacies is a great step towards our ambition to make care more accessible to patients within their local communities. These pharmacies are perfectly positioned to provide dedicated support to our populations, and we hope to see more and more patients taking advantage of a pharmacy’s expertise and services.

“RSV can lead to serious illnesses for older adults and babies under six months old. Receiving this one dose immunisation is all that is needed for long-term protection and is the best defence these vulnerable groups have against what is a very common infection. In pregnant woman, the immunisations for both RSV and pertussis help to ensure your new-born is protected and can have the very best start in life. I would strongly encourage anyone eligible to visit their local pharmacy and get their immunisation as soon as possible.”

Surj Pawar from Tower Hill Pharmacy said “As a pharmacy based in the community, it is important to us to be able to play an active role in protecting local people from serious illness. That is why it is great for us to be able to offer these vaccines in a way that is quick, easy and convenient for eligible residents.”

Symptoms of RSV include:

  • A cough that gets worse
  • Shortness of breath
  • Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
  • Difficulty feeding in babies or loss of appetite
  • Noisy breathing (wheezing)
  • Confusion in older adults.