The NHS has widened its RSV vaccination programme, making the jab available to all adults aged 80 and over and to residents of older adult care homes — an expansion that extends eligibility to around 3 million more people. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) commonly infects the lungs and, while often mild, can cause serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia in older adults and trigger hospital admissions.
In the UK RSV leads to roughly 9,000 hospital admissions each year among people aged over 75. A single dose of the vaccine provides protection that lasts for several years and new evidence indicates it reduces the risk of hospitalisation by about 75% in older adults. Pregnant women continue to be offered a separate maternal RSV vaccine from 28 weeks’ gestation to help protect newborns.
The vaccine can be arranged through GP practices, via care home staff for residents, and at some community pharmacies in parts of England. When the programme began in September 2024 it covered people turning 75 and those aged 75–79; anyone previously eligible who has not yet had the vaccine remains eligible.
NHS vaccination leaders urge eligible people, and the families or carers who support them, to book their vaccine to lower the chance of severe illness and hospital treatment from RSV. Public health experts note RSV is less familiar than flu or COVID but is a significant risk for older adults, and they encourage take-up of the offer for those eligible.
