In a significant public health development, the NHS is implementing major changes to its vaccination programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), expanding eligibility to protect more vulnerable older adults.
Expanding Protection Against Winter Virus
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England have announced that from 1st April 2026, the RSV vaccination scheme will be extended to include all adults aged 80 years and over, with no upper age limit. This represents a substantial broadening of the current programme, which since September 2024 has been routinely offered to older adults turning 75, with an initial catch-up for those aged 75 and over.
New Eligibility Criteria
The forthcoming changes mean that adults aged 75 years and over who have not previously received a single dose of RSV vaccine under the NHS campaign may be offered the vaccine from April 2026 onwards. Furthermore, all residents in care homes for older adults will become eligible regardless of their age, recognising their increased vulnerability to RSV complications.
This expansion will enable healthcare providers to offer co-administration with the COVID-19 vaccine starting in spring 2026 for eligible individuals. The approach is particularly encouraged in care homes for older adults to help achieve high uptake before RSV circulation increases during winter months and to reduce costs to the NHS.
Official Guidance and Implementation
The changes were detailed in a letter signed by Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, and Dr Mary Ramsay CBE, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA. The document, addressed to those responsible for delivering and commissioning the RSV vaccination programme, states that RSV vaccines can be administered at any time and offers of vaccination should continue throughout the year.
GP providers are expected to deliver a 100% offer to eligible groups, with call and recall systems implemented at the earliest opportunity. Providers must also ensure robust plans are in place to identify and address health inequalities for all underserved groups, with progress expected in reducing unwarranted variation and improving uptake.
Understanding RSV and Its Impact
Respiratory syncytial virus is one of the most common viruses causing coughs and colds during winter months. While many infections resolve independently, RSV can sometimes lead to serious complications for babies and older adults. The vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe respiratory illness and deaths in older people, protecting approximately four out of five recipients against severe illness.
Symptoms and Treatment
Common symptoms of RSV include:
- A runny or blocked nose
- Coughing and sneezing
- Tiredness and fatigue
- A high temperature with shivering
If RSV leads to more serious infection, additional symptoms may develop:
- A worsening cough
- Shortness of breath
- Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- Difficulty feeding in babies or loss of appetite
- Noisy breathing (wheezing)
- Confusion in older adults
There is no specific treatment for RSV infection, with most cases improving within one to two weeks through self-care at home. However, children and adults who develop more serious infections may require hospital treatment, including fluids to prevent dehydration or oxygen support for breathing difficulties.
This expansion of the vaccination programme represents a proactive approach to protecting vulnerable populations during winter months when RSV circulation typically increases, potentially reducing hospital admissions and saving lives among the most at-risk groups.
