Expansion of RSV Vaccination Programme to Include Older Adults
The UK government has agreed to extend the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme, following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Starting from 1st April 2026, additional groups, specifically adults aged 80 years and above, as well as residents in care homes, will be eligible for the vaccine.
Details of the Expanded Programme
After receiving recommendations from the JCVI, the government has decided to broaden the eligibility criteria for the RSV vaccination. The updated programme will provide vaccinations to:
- Adults aged 80 years and older
- Residents of care homes for older adults
This initiative builds upon the existing vaccination programme, which currently covers:
- Adults reaching the age of 75 years
- Those aged between 75 and 79 years who were already part of the initial rollout
- Pregnant women, who receive the vaccine to help protect their newborns
Simultaneous Vaccination Initiatives
Individuals eligible for both RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations can receive both at the same appointment, coinciding with the commencement of the spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination campaign on 13th April 2026. This programme will be available to those who have not yet been vaccinated against RSV and who fall into the following categories:
- Aged 75 or over
- A resident in a care home for older adults
Government and Health Officials Respond
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock emphasised the importance of this extension, noting that RSV can lead to severe illness among older adults. He stated, “By expanding this life-saving vaccination programme, we are taking another important step to protect those most at risk.” Kinnock urged eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly upon receiving an invitation from their general practitioner.
Dr Conall Watson, a Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, highlighted the lesser-known dangers of RSV compared to COVID-19 and influenza. He pointed out that thousands of older adults are hospitalised each year due to RSV, and this expansion will improve protection for these vulnerable groups. He also noted that there is substantial evidence indicating that the RSV vaccine significantly reduces hospitalisation rates among those aged 75 to 79, while also providing solid protection to newborns when administered to pregnant women.
Background of RSV and Vaccination in the UK
RSV is a viral infection that can lead to serious respiratory illness, particularly among the elderly. Previously, the UK government had launched a year-round vaccination programme in September 2024, targeting older adults and pregnant women. The recent extension aims to further mitigate the impact of RSV as it is recognised as a significant health risk during the winter months.
Source: official statements, news agencies, and public reports.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advice-accepted-on-extending-the-rsv-vaccination-programme
