Correspondence

Expansion of RSV vaccine eligibility to those aged 80 years and older and residents in care homes for older adults letter

Published 2 February 2026

Applies to England

2 February 2026

Dear colleagues,

This letter provides information about the forthcoming expansion of the eligibility criteria for the NHS respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme to include adults aged 80 years and over, and all residents in care homes for older adults. This letter is aimed at those responsible for commissioning and operationally delivering the national NHS RSV vaccination programme. We encourage you to share this guidance with all those involved in delivering the programme in your area.

From 1 April 2026, the eligibility criteria for the programme will change to allow people aged 80 years and over, and all residents in care homes for older adults, to receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS. This is an expansion of the current cohort and is based on the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Key points

Since September 2024, RSV vaccination has been routinely available to older adults as they turn 75 years of age, with an initial catch up also offered to adults who were aged 75 years and over on 1 September 2024 and had not yet reached 80 years of age.

The forthcoming change from 1 April 2026 will expand the eligibility criteria for the older adult RSV programme to also include those aged 80 years and over (with no upper age limit). Adults aged 75 years and over who have not previously received a single dose of RSV vaccine under the NHS RSV campaign may be offered the vaccine from this point forward. In addition, all residents in care homes for older adults will also become eligible, regardless of their age, due to their increased risk from RSV.

The vaccine used in the programme will continue to be Abrysvo® on a one-dose schedule.

The timing of the introduction of this expansion will enable providers to offer co-administration with the COVID-19 vaccine during the spring 2026 campaign to individuals eligible for both vaccines. JCVI has advised that the latest evidence shows COVID-19 and RSV vaccines can be co-administered. Co-administration is encouraged, particularly for residents in care homes for older adults, to help achieve high uptake before rates of RSV circulation increase in the winter months, and to reduce costs to the NHS. However, RSV vaccines can be administered at any time and offers of vaccination should continue throughout the year.

GP providers are expected to deliver a 100% offer to eligible groups, with call and recall delivered at the earliest opportunity. Providers should also ensure they have robust plans in place to identify and address health inequalities for all underserved groups, and it is expected progress will be made on reducing unwarranted variation and improving uptake.

Further information

Annexe A provides detailed information, guidance and resources for healthcare professionals.

For any operational queries, contact your NHS England Regional Public Health Commissioning Team. For clinical queries or queries about supporting programme resources, email immunisation@ukhsa.gov.uk

We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in commissioning and operationally delivering the national NHS vaccination programme.

Yours faithfully,

Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination, NHS England

Dr Mary Ramsay CBE, Director of Public Health Programmes (including immunisation) UK Health Security Agency