The NHS Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme is being expanded to include adults aged 65 to 74 years who are in certain clinical at-risk groups, NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed on July 1, 2026. The rollout will begin from September 1, 2026.
Eligibility Expansion Details
Since September 2024, the RSV vaccine has been routinely offered to adults when they turn 75. In April 2026, eligibility was extended to all adults aged 80 and over and all care home residents. Now, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the programme will cover adults aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression due to disease or treatment.
The vaccine used will continue to be Abrysvo (Pfizer pre-F vaccine) on a one-dose schedule. Those who receive the vaccine between ages 65 and 74 will not be invited for a further dose when they turn 75.
Clinical At-Risk Groups
Eligible conditions include chronic respiratory diseases such as poorly controlled asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Immunosuppression due to disease or treatment is also included.
General practitioners will offer the vaccine to eligible patients from September 1, with a target of 100% offer to eligible groups. Community pharmacies commissioned to support the programme will receive an updated enhanced service specification.
Vaccine Administration Guidelines
RSV vaccines can be administered at any time throughout the year. They should not be routinely scheduled with influenza vaccination but can be given alongside the COVID-19 vaccine. The JCVI advised that a single dose is sufficient for those aged 65 to 74 in risk groups.
In a letter confirming the expansion, Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, and Dr Mary Ramsay CBE, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, stated: "From 1 September 2026, the eligibility criteria will be expanded further to include adults aged 65 to 74 years in certain clinical at risk groups as advised by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI): chronic respiratory disease; immunosuppression due to disease or treatment."
RSV Illness and Vaccine Importance
RSV typically causes cold-like symptoms including runny or blocked nose, cough, sneezing, tiredness, and high temperature. However, it can lead to severe infections such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis, particularly in older adults and babies. The free NHS vaccination aims to reduce the risk of serious illness from RSV.
