RSV vaccine offer to be extended to thousands more vulnerable adults
Thousands more older adults will be offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine this winter, NHS England has announced.
From September, all adults aged 65-74 with a chronic respiratory condition or who have a suppressed immune system will be eligible for the jab.
It follows recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in April as more data become available on the effectiveness of the vaccine and burden of disease in the UK.
The JCVI recommended that RSV vaccination should be offered to people aged 65 to 74 who have:
- chronic respiratory disease, including those with:
- poorly controlled asthma
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- bronchiectasis
- cystic fibrosis
- interstitial lung fibrosis
- pneumoconiosis
- bronchopulmonary dysplasia
- immunosuppression due to disease or treatment
The newly eligible groups were identified by the JCVI as having a higher risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection, including hospitalisation.
In 2025, real-world analysis of the first season of vaccination RSV showed a dramatic impact on hospitalisation in both older people and newborns.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) found RSV vaccination was 82% effective against hospitalisation in older people in that first winter.
The committee said it is continuing to review data on RSV vaccination in other adults with underlying health conditions.
RSV vaccination began in England in September 2024, with an offer of immunisation to those 75 to 79 years before being extended earlier this year to anyone over 80 years and all adults in a care home.
NHS England said more than half a million people aged 80 years and over have been given the jab in the past three months alone.
Caroline Temmink, director of vaccination at NHS England, urged those who were eligible to come forward to their GP.
‘RSV can make people seriously ill, which is why it’s so important for those who are particularly vulnerable to be protected. Expanding the vaccine to this group offers them the best possible protection and can help keep people out of hospital.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: ‘This is an important expansion of the RSV immunisation programme.
‘New evidence makes it clear that these two groups of patients are at the highest risk of needing hospital admission due to RSV.
‘The vaccine gives excellent protection against severe lung infection, and I would encourage anyone eligible to take it up when offered.’
It comes as GPs have just under two weeks left to sign up for a free CPD event dedicated to long term-conditions, respiratory and metabolic health in primary care.
Taking place on Tuesday 14 July, the Pulse 365 event is is designed to support GPs managing these conditions, providing practical clinical updates and learning that can be applied directly in everyday practice.
Visit Pulse Reference for details on 140 symptoms, including easily searchable symptoms and categories, offering you a free platform to check symptoms and receive potential diagnoses during consultations.
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