Hundreds of thousands of older people across the South East can now get protected against a serious lung infection, as the NHS expands its Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme.

An estimated 530,000 adults aged 80 and over, as well as all residents in care homes for older adults, in the South East are now eligible for the RSV vaccine following a national expansion of the programme from 1 April 2026, which will make around three million more people eligible across England.

RSV is a common virus that infects the lungs. While symptoms are mild for many, the virus can be severe in older adults, causing pneumonia, bronchitis and flare-ups of existing lung disease and other long-term conditions. This can make it difficult to breathe and leave some older people requiring hospital treatment.

Previously, the RSV vaccine was offered to adults turning 75 and those aged 75 to 79 when the programme launched in September 2024. These groups remain eligible if they have not yet received the vaccine. Pregnant women are also offered the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks of pregnancy to help protect their babies from serious lung infections.

The RSV vaccine is free on the NHS and can be booked via GP practices. Care home residents can speak to staff about getting vaccinated.

NHS South East’s Director of Commissioning Caroline Reid, said:

“This expansion means many more people in the South East can now get protected against an illness that can make older people seriously unwell.

“RSV can be especially dangerous for those with existing health conditions, and the vaccine has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of people ending up in hospital.

“If you’re visiting older relatives or loved ones over the Easter period and they’re eligible, please encourage them to take up the offer if invited. It’s a simple step that could prevent a severe illness like pneumonia.”

UKHSA South East health protection consultant and respiratory lead Dr Simon Ferris said:

“RSV lung infection is less well known than COVID or flu but for older adults it can be particularly dangerous and puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life.

“New evidence from the UK public health agencies shows the vaccine cuts your risk of being hospitalised by around 75% – so it’s great news that the vaccine is now available to everyone aged 75 and over, including all those aged over 80. And we also know that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is providing excellent protection to newborn babies. If you’re eligible, be sure to take up the offer and get the best protection possible against a nasty case of RSV pneumonia.”

Between 1 September 2024 and 22 March 2026, more than 471,000 eligible people took up the RSV vaccine in the South East — the second‑highest uptake of any region in England.

RSV is estimated to cause around 9,000 hospitalisations each year among people aged over 75 in the UK, but a single dose of the vaccine provides protection for several years.

For more information, visit: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) – NHS