More people at risk from a virus which causes pneumonia and other serious lung infections will be able to get vital protection on the NHS this winter. 

From September, all adults aged 65-74 who are living with a chronic respiratory condition or who have a suppressed immune system will be offered the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, as the NHS expands its life-saving programme to protect those who are most vulnerable. 

This includes people in the South West who are living with chronic asthma, bronchitis or cystic fibrosis or who have weakened immune systems caused by other conditions (such as diabetes or blood cancer) or by medical treatments such as chemotherapy. 

Eligible people will be able to receive their jab from their local GP practice from 1st September, to protect themselves from serious illness and hospitalisation.  

The roll-out follows the expansion of eligibility earlier this year to all older adults over the age of 80, with new figures published by NHS England showing over half a million people across the country who are aged 80 years and over have been given the jab in the past three months alone (519,571). 

RSV is a common virus that infects the lungs. While symptoms are mild for many people, 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. 

The latest expansion comes after the government accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to expand eligibility for the RSV vaccination programme in England.  

The newly eligible groups were identified by JCVI as having a higher risk of severe outcomes from RSV infection, including hospitalisation, particularly during winter when cases peak. JCVI is continuing to review data on RSV vaccination in other adults with underlying health conditions.  

Almost half a million RSV vaccinations have been administered in the South West since the programme commenced in 2024 (436,822) and more than 3.3 million have been delivered across England. 

The vaccine works by stimulating the body to produce antibodies for the RSV virus by giving a small amount of RSV protein in the jab. This means that when the actual virus enters the body, the immune system can act much quicker to remove the threat.   

Dr Julie Frier, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead for NHS England South West, said: “By expanding the RSV vaccination offer, we will be helping provide protection for those who are most at risk of serious illness, helping to keep them well and reduce hospital admissions.  

“While RSV is most common in the winter, it can pose a risk all year round and just a single dose of the vaccine is needed for protection.  

“If you are aged 75 or over, or live in a care home for older adults, please come forward for your vaccination at your GP practice. For those aged 65 to 74 who are living with a chronic respiratory condition or who have a suppressed immune system, you will be able to have your RSV vaccination from 1 September.  

“RSV vaccination is also available to pregnant women. Please speak with your midwifery team or GP practice about getting the RSV vaccine.”   

Josh Howkins, Acting Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA South West, said:“This is an important expansion of the RSV immunisation programme for the South West. New evidence makes it clear that adults aged 65 to 74 who are living with a chronic respiratory condition or a suppressed immune system are among those at highest risk of serious illness and hospital admission from RSV. 

“The vaccine gives excellent protection against severe lung infection, and I would encourage anyone in this group to take it up when offered from 1 September. It could make a real difference to your health this winter.” 

For further information on RSV and the vaccine, visit the NHS website.