Respiratory syncytial virus: the green book, chapter 27a
Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation information for public health professionals, including updates.
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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the Paramyxoviridae family within the Pneumovirus genus. The virus has a non-segmented, single stranded, negative sense genome that encodes 11 proteins.
RSV is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. It causes a mild self-limiting respiratory infection in adults and children, but it can be severe in infants and older adults who are at increased risk of acute lower respiratory tract infection.
This chapter features:
- the epidemiology of the virus
- the RSV immunisations
- the dosage and schedule for the products
- the rationale behind the RSV programmes
- recommendations for the use of RSV immunisations
- contraindications and adverse reaction advice
- supply information
Updates to this page
Last updated 12 July 2024 + show all updates
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Updated to include the new RSV maternal and older adults immunisation programme.
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The chapter has been updated to provide clearer definitions of the groups in whom palivizumab use is advised. Revisions to the chapter also take into account the revised formulation of Synagis® as a solution for injection.
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First published.