As winter approaches, thousands more vulnerable adults across the UK are set to receive vital protection against serious lung infections thanks to a significant expansion of the NHS's Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme. From September, all adults aged 65-74 living with a chronic respiratory condition or a suppressed immune system will be offered the vaccine, aiming to prevent severe illness and hospitalisation.
This new eligibility group includes individuals with conditions such as chronic asthma, bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis, as well as those with weakened immune systems due to conditions like diabetes or blood cancer, or medical treatments like chemotherapy. Eligible individuals will be able to access their vaccination from local GP practices or, in some areas, high street pharmacies, starting from 1st September.
The expansion follows earlier efforts this year to broaden eligibility, which saw the vaccine offered to all adults aged 80 and over. Recent figures from NHS England indicate that over 500,000 people in this age group (519,571) have already received the jab in the last three months alone. Furthermore, millions of people aged 75 and over, along with all residents in care homes for older adults, are already able to get the RSV vaccine. Since 2024, the NHS has also offered the RSV vaccine to all pregnant women, protecting an estimated 300,000 mothers and babies in its first year.
RSV is a common virus that typically causes mild symptoms for most people, but it can lead to severe complications in older adults and those with underlying health issues. These complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, and exacerbations of existing lung conditions, potentially requiring hospital treatment due to breathing difficulties. The decision to expand the programme aligns with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which identified these newly eligible groups as being at a higher risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection, particularly during the winter months when cases typically peak.
Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, emphasised the importance of the vaccine for vulnerable individuals, stating that it offers the best possible protection and can help keep people out of hospital. Public Health Minister Sharon Hodgson also highlighted that the expanded programme will save lives, prevent avoidable hospital admissions, and alleviate pressure on the NHS during the colder months. Dr Conall Watson, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, noted that new evidence clearly demonstrates the high risk these patient groups face regarding hospital admission due to RSV.
The vaccine works by introducing a small amount of RSV protein into the body, stimulating the immune system to produce antibodies. This preparation allows the body to respond more quickly and effectively when it encounters the actual virus, thereby reducing the risk of severe infection. Anyone with concerns about eligibility or vaccination should consult their GP or local pharmacy for further information.