The NHS has confirmed that from 1 September 2026, adults aged 65 to 74 in England with certain clinical conditions will become eligible for the free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination. This expansion follows recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and builds on the programme that has been running since 2024.
Who is newly eligible for the RSV vaccine?
The new eligibility criteria, effective 1 September 2026, targets two specific clinical at-risk groups within the 65 to 74 age bracket: those with chronic respiratory disease, and those who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment. This means thousands more people across England will now be able to receive the vaccine on the NHS.
Previously, under NHS rules introduced in 2024, the RSV vaccine was routinely offered to older adults when they turned 75, with a catch-up programme for those aged 75 to 79 as of 1 September 2024. On 1 April 2026, the programme was further extended to include all adults aged 80 and over, as well as all residents in care homes for older adults who had not yet received a dose.
Why the RSV vaccine matters
RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to severe respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis, particularly in babies and older adults. These complications can require hospital treatment and can be life-threatening. The vaccine helps to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.
According to NHS England, the vaccine is already recommended for pregnant women at 28 weeks or more, to protect their babies after birth, and is now also available to all adults aged 75 and over, and those living in care homes for older adults.
Official confirmation and thanks
In a joint letter to NHS bodies, Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, and Dr Mary Ramsay CBE, Director of Public Health Programmes (including immunisation) at the UK Health Security Agency, confirmed the expansion. They wrote: "We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in commissioning and operationally delivering the national NHS vaccination programme."
Impact and next steps
The move is expected to significantly increase the number of people protected against RSV, reducing the burden on hospitals during winter months. Eligible individuals are encouraged to wait for their GP or local NHS service to contact them, or to seek advice from their healthcare provider.
This expansion is part of a wider NHS effort to improve vaccination uptake among vulnerable groups and to prevent serious illness. The JCVI's advice, which underpins this change, is based on evidence of higher risk of severe RSV disease in these clinical groups.
As the September rollout approaches, NHS England is expected to provide further guidance to primary care services and patients. For now, those aged 65 to 74 who have chronic respiratory disease or are immunosuppressed should look out for invitations from their local NHS services.
