Government Expands RSV Vaccination Program for Vulnerable Groups
The government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to extend the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination program, targeting additional population groups most vulnerable to serious outcomes from the infection.
On February 2, 2026, the government officially decided to offer the RSV vaccine to these groups. This decision aligns with specific JCVI advice published on July 16, 2025, which recommended expanding the RSV vaccination program for older adults.
Expanded Eligibility Effective April 1, 2026
Effective April 1, 2026, the RSV vaccination will be offered in England to:
- Adults aged 80 years and over
- All residents in care homes for older adults
These new groups are in addition to the existing program, which already provides RSV vaccination to:
- Adults turning 75 years
- Adults aged 75 to 79 years (when the program began)
- Pregnant women (for the protection of their newborn babies)
Combined Vaccination with COVID-19
Individuals eligible for both RSV and COVID-19 vaccinations will have the option to receive both vaccines during the same appointment. This combined approach is set to begin with the spring 2026 COVID-19 campaign on April 13, 2026, and is in line with JCVI guidance. Those eligible for both programs include individuals aged 75 or over, or residents in care homes for older adults, who have not yet received an RSV vaccine.
Health Minister Stephen Kinnock stated that RSV can cause serious illness in older people, which led to the introduction of year-round vaccination programs in September 2024. The expansion of this program aims to protect those most at risk.
The government's decision to extend the program is based on evidence reviewed by the JCVI, which indicates clear benefits for these additional groups. Individuals eligible for the RSV vaccine from April are encouraged to get vaccinated to protect themselves and help reduce pressure on the NHS during winter months.