A significant expansion of the National Health Service vaccination programme has been announced, extending protection against respiratory syncytial virus to older adults and vulnerable residents across England.
New Eligibility Criteria from Spring 2026
From April 1, 2026, the NHS will offer the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine to all adults aged 80 and over, alongside all residents in care homes for the elderly. This represents a substantial broadening of the existing immunisation strategy, which currently targets those aged 75 to 79.
Government and Health Officials Hail "Important Step"
Labour Party Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasised the life-saving potential of this policy extension. "By expanding this life-saving vaccination programme to also include adults aged 80 and over and residents in care homes for older adults, we are taking another important step to protect those most at risk," he stated.
Mr Kinnock confirmed he had accepted the expert advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which conducted a thorough review of clinical evidence demonstrating clear benefits. He urged all newly eligible individuals to come forward for vaccination once invited by their GP, highlighting that "getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter months."
Substantial Health Benefits Already Evident
Medical experts point to compelling data supporting the programme's expansion. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, explained that while RSV receives less public attention than Covid-19 or influenza, it causes thousands of hospitalisations annually among older adults with significant mortality risk.
Analysis has revealed that individuals aged 75 to 79 who have already received the vaccine experience substantially lower hospitalisation rates. Furthermore, the RSV vaccine offered to pregnant women has proven highly effective in protecting newborns.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, provided striking statistics about the programme's existing impact. "NHS teams have already delivered 2.5 million RSV vaccinations in just 17 months, protecting older people and newborns from serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia," he reported.
Proven Impact on Hospital Admissions
The expansion follows demonstrable success within the current eligible cohort. Mr Burton noted that RSV-related hospital admissions among 75- to 79-year-olds decreased by approximately one third last winter, directly attributable to the vaccination programme.
"This is why I’m delighted this offer of protection is being expanded to over 80s and care home residents, helping keep even more people out of hospital and in better health," he added, describing the move as "a shot in the arm for the NHS’s preparations for next winter."
The NHS will undertake proactive communication efforts, reminding those aged 75–79 who haven't yet been vaccinated and inviting the newly eligible patients from April, well ahead of the winter period when respiratory viruses typically surge.
Health authorities unanimously encourage all eligible individuals to accept this potentially life-saving immunisation when offered, reinforcing the collective benefit to individual health and the broader healthcare system.
