RSV vaccine opened up to over-80s with three million extra adults eligible
The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme in older adults is now available to a further three million people, NHS England has confirmed.
Adults over the age of 80 years, as well as anyone living in a care home, are eligible for the vaccine from the start of April.
The change follows updated advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and expands the existing programme, which has offered routine vaccination to people turning 75 since September 2024.
RSV causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year, but a single dose of the vaccine provides protection for several years.
UK data has shown the vaccine cuts the risk of being hospitalised by around 75%.
Eligible patients can book their jab via a GP practice, by speaking to staff in care homes and some community pharmacies in parts of England are also offering it, NHS England said.
A single dose of Abrysvo continues to be the vaccine offered. The timing of the expansion with an April 1st start date, is designed to allow co-administration with the spring 2026 Covid-19 vaccine campaign.
Guidance issued in February states that GP practices will be expected to offer the vaccine to 100% of the eligible population, and arrangements should also be made to vaccinate new care home residents as they become eligible throughout the year.
Michelle Kane, NHS director of vaccination and screening delivery, said: ‘RSV is not just a winter illness; it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated.
‘The vaccine has been proven to drastically reduce the chance of those aged 75 and over from ending up in hospital with an RSV infection, so if you’re seeing loved ones or family members who are eligible for a vaccine over the Easter break, please do remind them to come forward if invited.
‘If you are newly eligible or are still yet to come forward, don’t delay and book your free NHS vaccination in with your GP or speak to a member of staff in your care home.’
Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist RSV lead at the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘RSV lung infection is less well known than Covid or flu but for older adults it can be particularly dangerous and puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life.
‘It’s great news that the vaccine is now available to everyone aged 75 and over, including all those aged over 80.
‘And we also know that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is providing excellent protection to newborn babies.’
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