Millions of older people can now get protection against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause serious lung infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia and lead to hospital admissions. The vaccination programme has been expanded to include all adults aged 80 and over and people living in care homes for older adults, extending eligibility to around 3 million more people.
RSV commonly infects the lungs; while many experience mild symptoms, older adults can develop severe illness, including pneumonia, bronchitis and exacerbations of long-term conditions, sometimes requiring hospital treatment. RSV causes about 9,000 hospitalisations each year in people aged over 75 in the UK. A single dose of the vaccine offers protection lasting several years.
The vaccine can be booked through GP practices, by speaking to care home staff, and some community pharmacies in parts of England are also offering it. Prior to Wednesday 1 April 2026, the vaccine had been offered to adults turning 75 and to those aged 75–79 when the programme began in September 2024. Pregnant women continue to be offered the vaccine from 28 weeks’ gestation to protect newborns. Those previously eligible who have not yet had the vaccine remain eligible.
Michelle Kane, NHS Director of Vaccination and Screening Delivery, said RSV can occur year-round and can make older people seriously ill; she urged eligible people to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation, and asked families and carers to remind loved ones to book. Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist and RSV Lead at the UK Health Security Agency, said RSV is less well known than COVID or flu but is dangerous for older adults and causes thousands of hospitalisations; new evidence shows the vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalisation by around 75%, and the maternal vaccine is providing excellent protection to newborns. If eligible, take up the offer to reduce the risk of serious RSV disease.
