Thousands more vulnerable adults across England will be eligible for a free NHS Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine from September 2026, following an expansion of the national vaccination programme aimed at preventing serious respiratory illness.
Under the expanded programme, adults aged 65 to 74 who have a chronic respiratory condition or a weakened immune system will now be offered the vaccine to help protect them before the winter virus season.
This is an important step towards ensuring that more people living with blood cancer can access protection against viruses like RSV and reduce their risk of serious illness.
What is RSV?
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the lungs and airways. While it often causes symptoms similar to a cold, it can lead to severe complications in older adults and people with underlying health conditions, including:
- Pneumonia
- Bronchitis
- Worsening of existing lung diseases
- Hospitalisation due to breathing difficulties
RSV cases typically rise during the winter months, making early vaccination an important step in protecting those most at risk.
Who is Eligible?
From September 2026, the RSV vaccine will be available to people aged 65–74 who have:
- Chronic respiratory conditions such as severe asthma, bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.
- A weakened immune system due to medical conditions, including diabetes or blood cancer.
- Immunosuppression caused by treatments such as chemotherapy.
Eligible individuals will be able to receive the vaccine through their GP practice, and in some areas, participating community pharmacies.
Building on a Successful Programme
The expansion follows earlier extensions to the NHS RSV programme, which already provides vaccination for:
- Adults aged 75 and over.
- Residents of older adult care homes.
- Pregnant women, helping protect newborn babies during their first months of life.
More than half a million adults aged over 80 have already received the vaccine this year, reflecting the NHS’s ongoing commitment to reducing serious illness and hospital admissions caused by RSV.
Why Vaccination Matters
The RSV vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies against the virus. Although RSV cannot always be prevented completely, vaccination significantly reduces the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.
Health experts encourage everyone who is eligible to come forward when invited, particularly ahead of the winter season when respiratory viruses circulate more widely.
