RSV Vaccines now extended to Patients who are 80 years & above

From 1 April 2026 the eligibility criteria for the NHS respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme changed to include adults aged 80 years and over, and all residents in care homes for older adults: Expansion of RSV vaccine eligibility to those aged 80 years and older and residents in care homes for older adults letter - GOV.UK.

This is an expansion of the current cohort and is based on the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

• 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 change from 1 April 2026 expands 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 are now 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

 Resources:

• Updated information for healthcare professionals and patients (including updated leaflets and posters): Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme - GOV.UK
• Updated comms/assets: RSV Vaccinations | Vaccinations | Campaign Resource Centre
• Updated SE region RSV primary care toolkit: see attached and RSV vaccination resources - Surrey & Sussex Screening & Immunisation Team - Futures

Coadministration:

• Note that in older adults, Abrysvo® can be administered with Shingrix® (shingles vaccine), the pneumococcal vaccine as well as COVID-19 vaccines

Published on 8 April 2026