From 1 September, NHS England will extend its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme to adults aged 65 to 74 who are living with a chronic respiratory disease, as well as those with immunosuppression due to disease or treatment. The move aims to protect thousands more vulnerable people from serious lung infections this winter.
Eligible patients will be able to receive the jab at their local GP practice or, in some areas, at a high street pharmacy. The expansion follows new evidence identifying these two groups as being at the highest risk of needing hospital admission due to RSV, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
Who is eligible and how to get the vaccine
The NHS says the vaccine will be offered to all adults aged 65-74 with a chronic respiratory disease, such as COPD or asthma, and to those whose immune system is weakened by illness or medical treatment. People in these groups can book their appointment through their GP practice or, where available, a participating local pharmacy from 1 September.
Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, said: “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.”
She added: “If you are aged 75 or over, or live in a care home for older adults and are yet to get vaccinated, now is the time to come forward. Although RSV spreads most in winter, this virus poses a risk all year round, so if you’ve been offered the jab, please come forward to your GP or local pharmacy.”
Health officials stress importance of uptake
Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson underlined the potential impact of the expanded programme. She said: “Respiratory Syncytial Virus can cause serious illness for older adults and those with underlying health conditions. By expanding the vaccination programme, we’re making sure more people who are at higher risk are protected before they become seriously ill.”
Hodgson added: “This will save lives, prevent hundreds of avoidable hospital admissions and reduce pressure on the NHS during the winter months.”
Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, 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 could make a real difference to your health.”
Broader context and next steps
The expansion builds on the existing RSV programme, which already covers adults aged 75 and over and older adults living in care homes. The NHS is urging anyone in the newly eligible groups to come forward as soon as they are contacted, with appointments available from the start of September.
The vaccine is administered as a single dose and is designed to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation from RSV, which can cause pneumonia and other serious lung infections. Health officials expect the expanded rollout to help protect more vulnerable people ahead of the peak winter virus season.
