NHS Launches New RSV Vaccine to Shield Vulnerable This Winter
The NHS is rolling out a fresh vaccination programme to combat respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), targeting those most at risk of severe illness. Starting September 1, the vaccine will be offered to pregnant women and older adults to help cut thousands of hospital admissions as the cold season looms.
Who Can Get the RSV Jab?
- Pregnant women: Those at 28 weeks or more will be offered the vaccine to protect both mother and unborn baby from serious respiratory infections.
- Older adults: Anyone turning 75 or above after September 1 is eligible. There’s also a one-off catch-up for people aged 75 to 79.
Why RSV Vaccination Matters
RSV is a common virus that hits the lungs and airways. While it causes mild cold-like symptoms in most healthy adults, it can lead to dangerous illness in babies, premature infants, older adults, and those with heart, lung, or immune system issues.
Last winter, an average of 146 young children were hospitalised daily with RSV, an 11% jump from the previous year. This new vaccine aims to slash these numbers and relieve NHS pressure during the busiest months.
“After months of preparation, we are now offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women and older adults at greatest risk,” said Steve Russell, NHS England’s National Director for Vaccinations and Screening. “This will help protect vulnerable lives and ease NHS winter pressures.”
Health Chiefs Urge Uptake
Kate Brintworth, Chief Midwifery Officer for NHS England, said: “Vaccination is a vital way to protect babies, women, and families while managing NHS capacity through winter.”
Professor Dame Jenny Harries, UK Health Security Agency chief, added: “The new RSV vaccine offers huge opportunities to prevent severe illness and protect lives.”
Health Minister Andrew Gwynne shared a personal plea after his newborn grandson was put in an induced coma from severe bronchiolitis caused by RSV. He warned: “I don’t want any parent or grandparent to go through what we did over something preventable like RSV.”
Gwynne emphasised the broader NHS benefit: “The programme will reduce RSV-related hospital admissions such as pneumonia, easing NHS strain.”
What’s Next?
The NHS urges all eligible groups to get vaccinated without delay. This RSV jab is part of a wider winter health drive that includes flu and COVID-19 vaccines — gearing the nation up to face the months ahead with stronger protection.
