Millions of older people are being urged to get a key jab for the first time.
Respiratory syncytial virus can cause severe illness in older adults (Image: Getty)
Millions more older Britons will be eligible for a key vaccine from April as the NHS expands access. The immunisation programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been expanded to include people aged 80 and over. The move represents “another important step to protect those most at risk”, officials said. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and usually gets better by itself, but can cause severe illness for babies and older adults.
A jab for the illness was initially rolled out in September 2024 for adults turning 75 and women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect their newborn baby. There was also a one-off catch-up programme launched targeting those aged 75 to 79. Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), officials have announced that adults aged 80 and over and all residents in care homes for the elderly will be offered the jab from April 1.
Duncan Burton chief nursing officer for England said: “NHS teams have already delivered 2.5 million RSV vaccinations in just 17 months, protecting older people and newborns from serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
“This helped reduce RSV-related hospital admissions from 75- to 79-year-olds by a third last winter – which is why I’m delighted this offer of protection is being expanded to over 80s and care home residents, helping keep even more people out of hospital and in better health.
“This move is a shot in the arm for the NHS’s preparations for next winter.
“We will be reminding those aged 75–79 who have not yet come forward, and inviting newly eligible patients from April, well ahead of winter – and I strongly urge everyone eligible to take up this potentially life-saving vaccine.”
The change also means eligible patients will be able to have the RSV jab alongside a vaccine for Covid-19 this spring.
Having both vaccines during the same appointment has been encouraged, particularly for care home residents and older people, to boost uptake before RSV rates increase in the winter months.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “By expanding this life-saving vaccination programme to also include adults aged 80 and over and residents in care homes for older adults, we are taking another important step to protect those most at risk.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds in winter (Image: Getty)
“I am pleased to accept the advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which has carefully reviewed the evidence showing the clear benefits of extending this programme.
“I would encourage everyone who becomes eligible for the RSV vaccine from April to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as they have been invited to do so by their GP.”
The change comes after analysis published last March by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that there were 30% fewer hospital admissions among 75 to 79-year-olds as a result of the RSV vaccine.
Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “RSV lung infection is less well known than Covid or flu but for older adults it puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life.
“Analysis has shown those aged 75 to 79 already getting the vaccine are much less likely to be hospitalised.
“And the evidence is clear that the RSV vaccine offered to pregnant women is providing excellent protection to babies. When you are offered the vaccine, don’t hesitate.”
