PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY THIS WINTER 

The Welsh Government is urging everyone eligible to come forward for their flu jab, COVID-19 booster and RSV vaccine to help protect against serious illness.

For one mum from Pembrokeshire, the dangers of RSV are all too real.

Joanne’s daughter was admitted to hospital on Christmas Eve after contracting RSV. Her right lung filled with mucus, and she needed breathing support and spent three weeks on a high-dependency unit.

Joanne said watching her baby struggle to breathe was terrifying, and she hopes sharing her experience will encourage other families to take up the protection available.

What is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that usually causes mild symptoms, but it can lead to serious illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in babies and older people.

Who can get the RSV vaccine?
Adults aged 75 and over
Pregnant women, to help protect their newborn babies
Higher-risk adults aged 65–74, including some people with weakened immune systems or chronic respiratory disease

Remember: The flu jab, COVID-19 booster and RSV vaccine protect against different viruses. Having your flu jab does not protect you against RSV.

Joanne is urging eligible people to take up the offer of vaccination, saying it could help prevent other families from experiencing what hers went through.

If you're eligible, speak to your GP or healthcare team about the vaccines available to you this winter.

Please share this information to help spread the word and protect our communities.