RSV vaccination programme

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter.

Globally, RSV infects up to 90% of children within the first 2 years of life and frequently reinfects older children and adults. Babies under 1 and the elderly are at the greatest risk of being hospitalised.

The Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended certain groups of people be offered RSV vaccination.

Routine RSV vaccination is offered year-round to the following groups:

• All older adults, who will be routinely offered a vaccination as they turn 75 years old
• All residents of care homes for older adults
• Pregnant women, at 28 weeks gestation (with the aim of protecting their newborn babies)

The offer of maternal vaccination will be available with each pregnancy to protect each infant against RSV.

From 1 September 2026, all individuals aged 65 to 74 years with immunosuppression or chronic respiratory disease (excluding well-controlled asthma) will also be eligible for an RSV vaccination.