RSV

What is RSV?

RSV, short for Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a common virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Almost all children are infected with this virus before their second birthday. In most cases, children only develop a cold, but sometimes the virus can also cause serious respiratory infections. The elderly and people with lung problems or other underlying health conditions are also at higher risk of becoming seriously ill.

Symptoms and progression

After becoming infected with RSV, it usually takes two to eight days for symptoms to develop. In most cases, symptoms appear after about five days. Most people experience cold-like symptoms such as a blocked or runny nose, coughing, and a sore throat. If the infection is more severe, other symptoms may also occur:

• Fever or feeling feverish
• Pneumonia
• Shortness of breath

In children, a severe infection can also cause an ear infection and wheezing. For elderly adults, a severe infection may also cause headaches, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

How contagious is RSV?

RSV spreads through respiratory droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You can become infected by inhaling these droplets. Virus particles can also get onto your hands and then reach your nose, mouth, or eyes, which can also lead to infection.

A person is often contagious before they develop symptoms and can remain contagious for some time afterward. In children under two years of age, this can be as long as four weeks. A person over the age of two, is usually contagious for about one week.

Who is at risk of becoming seriously ill?

In most cases, an RSV infection is mild, but some people are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill:

• Children who were born prematurely
• Babies under six months of age
• Children under two years of age with Down syndrome or severe heart or lung disease
• Children with a weakened immune system, for example due to leukemia or HIV
• Adults over 75 years of age
• Adults over 60 years of age with a chronic health condition such as:
  • Asthma
  • Diabetes
  • Heart failure
  • COPD
  • Severe obesity (a BMI of 40 or higher)
  • Kidney or liver disease
  • Coronary heart disease
  • A weakened immune system
• Adults over 60 years of age who live in a nursing home

For a person in these high-risk groups, getting vaccinated against RSV may be advisable.

Which RSV vaccine is right for you?

Several RSV vaccines are available in the Netherlands, including Abrysvo and Arexvy. Which vaccine is best suited to you depends on factors such as your age, health, and personal circumstances. We would be happy to advise you during a personal consultation!

Should you get vaccinated?

The RSV vaccination is intended for people who are at increased risk of developing severe illness following an RSV infection. This includes babies, pregnant women, people over 75 years of age, and people over 60 with chronic health conditions.

Are you part of one of these groups? During a personal consultation, we will assess whether RSV vaccination is advisable for you and which form of protection is best suited.

Vaccination during pregnancy

Newborn babies are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from RSV. Since September 2025, they have therefore been offered RSV immunisation through the Dutch National Immunisation Programme. Babies born between October and March receive the vaccine within two weeks after birth. Babies born between April and September receive the vaccine in September or October.

Pregnant women can also choose to get vaccinated. The vaccine stimulates the production of antibodies against RSV, which are passed to the unborn baby through the placenta. This means that these babies are already partially protected from birth.

Because the RSV season runs from November through March, vaccination during pregnancy is particularly useful if the baby is expected to be born during this period. This vaccination provides protection during the period between birth and the time when the baby can receive their own vaccination.

The optimal timing of vaccination depends, among other things, on the stage of pregnancy and the expected due date. During a consultation, we will discuss whether vaccination is appropriate in your situation and what the best timing would be.

Protection for babies

When the mother is vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy, the baby is partially protected from birth for one RSV season. Research shows that the vaccination is more effective when the baby is vaccinated directly. This is why RSV vaccination for babies is part of the Dutch National Immunisation Programme, while RSV vaccination for pregnant women is not.

Cost of RSV vaccination

The cost of RSV vaccination is not covered by health insurance and must therefore be paid for out of pocket. For the most up-to-date information on costs, please visit our pricing page.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

The best time to get vaccinated depends on your personal situation. For pregnant women, the stage of pregnancy is an important factor. For other adults, vaccination is generally recommended before the start of the RSV season, which typically begins in autumn. During a consultation, we will discuss your situation and determine the best time for you to get vaccinated.