Change of https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/respiratory-syncytial-virus-the-green-book-chapter-27a

Change description : 2026-02-02 09:30:00: Updated with latest evidence and details of the catch-up programme for people age 80 and over, JCVI advice on clesrovimab and MHRA guidance on preF vaccines. [Guidance and regulation]

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Guidance

Respiratory syncytial virus: the green book, chapter 27abook

Respiratory syncytial virus immunisation information for public health professionals, including updates.

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published
20 March 2013
Last updated
142 JulyFebruary 20252026 — See all updates

Documents

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): Thethe Greengreen Book,book chapter 27a

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Details

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

Published 20 March 2013
Last updated 142 JulyFebruary 20252026 + show all updates

  2. Updated to include nirsevimab selective immunisation programme information. Updates to older adult adverse reactions section, older adult coadministration, and on recent efficacy and disease burden evidence.

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Update history

2026-02-02 09:30
Updated with latest evidence and details of the catch-up programme for people age 80 and over, JCVI advice on clesrovimab and MHRA guidance on preF vaccines.

2025-07-14 14:00
Updated to include nirsevimab selective immunisation programme information. Updates to older adult adverse reactions section, older adult coadministration, and on recent efficacy and disease burden evidence.

2025-02-25 11:17
Added minor revision to older adult adverse reactions section.

2025-02-06 11:27
Updated with recent evidence on vaccine safety and effectiveness, and latest JCVI advice on selective immunisation with monoclonal antibodies.

2024-10-01 15:51
Links to national immunisation programme letters added, revised in alignment with the 4 national programmes.

2024-07-22 10:49
Updated with detail of vaccine supply for Wales.

2024-07-12 13:45
Updated to include the new RSV maternal and older adults immunisation programme.