Millions are being urged to act after a huge change in guidance.
Millions more will be eligible for the potentially life-saving jab (Image: Getty)
Millions more adults will be eligible for vaccination against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) from Wednesday. Eligibility criteria will be expanded from April 1 to allow people aged 80 and over, and all residents in care homes for older adults, to receive the jab on the NHS.
RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and usually resolves on its own, but it can cause severe illness in babies and older adults. The vaccine was initially made available in September 2024 to older adults as they turned 75, with a catch-up programme for those aged 75 to 80, plus women from 28 weeks of pregnancy.
The change in eligibility follows a recommendation from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, which advises the government on immunisations.
Announcing the expansion earlier this year, Health Minister Stephen Kinnock described it as “another important step to protect those most at risk”.
He added: “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.”
Estimates suggest around 175,000 people aged over 65 visit their GP with RSV every year, and the virus causes around 8,000 deaths among older people annually.
Analysis published last March by UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed 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.”