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Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme

Publications relating to the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme.

Updates to this page

From:
UK Health Security Agency
Published:
24 June 2024
Last updated:
10 August 2026
Show all updates

  1. Added link to RSV Maternal vaccination healthcare practitioner training slide set.

  2. Added new link to RSV vaccination older adults programme health professional training slide set.

  3. Added 'Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: VGD template'.

  4. Added 'RSV vaccination: expansion of eligibility to older adults in certain clinical risk groups'.

  5. The link to the maternal vaccination slideset has been updated.

  6. Updated information programme and added 'Reports' section.

  7. New official statistics page added. New healthcare practitioner slide set for older adults added.

  8. Added 'RSV vaccination programme for older adults: expansion of eligibility from April 2026'.

  9. Slide 34 revised to provide clearer information on RSV and influenza vaccinations given at the same appointment.

  10. New document 'Why is my baby being offered an RSV immunisation' added to this collection. This guidance is for parents of premature babies who are offered Nirservimab. Older adults guidance and slide set updated to version 3.5 with interim guidance for the 80+ age group expansion

  11. Replaced training slide sets with updated versions.

  12. Updated links to training slides.

  13. Added 'Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: PGD template'.

  14. Added RSV Green Book chapter, links to training slide sets, links to posters and maternal vaccination guide.

  15. Added link to poster.

  16. Added 'Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults' to documents.

  17. First published.

This page contains links to resources for health professionals and the public on the RSV immunisation programmes.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a germ that is spread by coughs and sneezes. It is most common in autumn and winter. Infants under one year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease and breathing difficulties. RSV is a major cause of hospital admission for infants aged less than 6 months. Babies can develop bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and need hospital care for breathing and feeding. In older adults RSV can causes life threatening episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia that need hospital admission, and can cause flare ups of long-term conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

In September 2024, 2 new RSV vaccination programmes were introduced for pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79. From 1 April 2026, the older adult programme will be extended to everyone aged 75 and over, and any adult living in a care home for older adults.

Programme for older adults aged 75 years and older, and residents of care homes for older adults

All adults turning 75 years old are eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. Adults less than 75 who move into a care home for older adults are also eligible. There is a one-off catch-up offer for those already aged 75 years and older.

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

Pregnant women become eligible for a single dose of RSV vaccine as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth. Ideally the vaccine should be given in week 28 or soon afterwards.

Training resources

Download the training slide sets for healthcare professionals:

Guidance

Patient group direction (PGD) and vaccine group direction (VGD)

Invitations

Invitation templates for older adults are available, including:

These templates have been produced by NHS England for local use by GP surgeries.

Leaflets and posters

Posters are available free to order:

Programme documents

Reports

Contents