NHS to Expand RSV Vaccination Programme to Adults Aged 65-74 From September

The NHS will broaden its RSV vaccination programme from September to cover adults aged 65 to 74 who have chronic respiratory conditions or compromised immune systems, GB News reported. Eligible conditions include severe asthma, bronchitis, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, blood disorders, and chemotherapy treatment.

The expansion follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

People who qualify can receive the vaccine at their local GP surgery or, in some areas, at high street pharmacies. Respiratory syncytial virus sends about 14,000 people to hospital each year in the UK and claims an estimated 8,000 lives annually, GB News reported. The virus commonly causes coughs and colds but can lead to pneumonia and serious breathing problems in vulnerable groups.

More than 519,571 people aged 80 and above received the RSV vaccine in the past three months, according to NHS England figures. The programme for pregnant women, which began in September 2024, has protected around 300,000 mothers and babies, with evidence showing a 72 per cent reduction in infections among infants last year.

Millions of people aged 75 and over and care home residents are already eligible.

Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said the expansion ensures more higher-risk individuals receive protection before serious illness develops. Dr Conall Watson, consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, described the change as an important expansion.

He added that the vaccine provides excellent protection against severe lung infection and encouraged eligible people to get it when offered.