Thousands more vulnerable adults will receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS this winter

Thousands more people across England will become eligible for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine from September, as the NHS expands its vaccination programme

The latest extension means that adults aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory conditions or weakened immune systems will be offered the RSV vaccine ahead of the winter season, when RSV infections typically increase.

This is expected to reduce hospital admissions, prevent severe complications and ease pressure on NHS services during the colder months.

Who will be eligible?

From 1 September, the vaccine will be available to people aged 65 to 74 who live with long-term respiratory illnesses such as chronic asthma, bronchitis, or cystic fibrosis. It will also be offered to those with weakened immune systems due to conditions such as diabetes, blood cancers, or treatments such as chemotherapy.

Eligible patients can book their vaccination through their GP practice, and some areas will also offer appointments at participating community pharmacies.

The expansion follows updated recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which identified these groups as being at a significantly higher risk of severe RSV infection and hospitalisation.

What Is RSV?

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that affects the lungs and airways. While it often causes mild cold-like symptoms in healthy adults, it can lead to much more serious illness in older people and those with underlying health conditions.

Complications can include pneumonia, bronchitis and worsening symptoms of existing lung diseases, making breathing difficult and increasing the likelihood of hospital treatment.

Although RSV circulates year-round, infections are most common in the autumn and winter months.

Expanding protection

The latest announcement builds on the NHS RSV vaccination programme introduced in 2024. Earlier this year, eligibility was widened to include everyone aged 80 and over, with more than 519,000 people in that age group receiving the vaccine over the past three months.

People aged 75 and over, along with residents in older adult care homes, remain eligible for the vaccine ahead of this winter.

The programme also continues to offer RSV vaccination during pregnancy, helping to protect both mothers and newborn babies during the first few months of life when infants are particularly vulnerable to severe RSV infection.

How the vaccine works

The RSV vaccine helps prepare the body’s immune system by exposing it to a small amount of RSV protein. This stimulates the production of protective antibodies without causing infection.

If the person later comes into contact with the virus, their immune system can respond much more quickly, reducing the risk of severe illness and complications.

Studies have shown the vaccine provides strong protection against serious lung infections caused by RSV, particularly among older adults and those with underlying health conditions.

Expanding the vaccination programme is expected to help prevent hundreds of avoidable hospital admissions during the busy winter period. By protecting those most vulnerable before RSV cases begin to rise, the NHS hopes to reduce pressure on hospitals while improving health outcomes for people at greatest risk.

Health officials continue to review evidence on whether other groups with underlying medical conditions may also benefit from routine RSV vaccination in the future.