NHS Expands RSV Vaccination to Adults Aged 65-74 with Chronic Conditions
The UK’s National Health Service (NHS) has announced a significant expansion of its RSV vaccination program, extending eligibility to adults aged 65-74 with chronic respiratory conditions or suppressed immune systems, starting in September, according to NHS England. This move, endorsed by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), aims to reduce hospital admissions and ease pressure on emergency departments (EDs), experts said.
What Groups Are Now Eligible for the RSV Vaccine?
The expansion adds two high-risk groups to the RSV vaccination program: adults aged 65-74 with chronic respiratory conditions or those with suppressed immune systems. Previously, the vaccine was available to adults aged 75 and older, residents of care homes for older adults, and pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy. In April this year, the program was also extended to all adults aged 80 years and over.
“Thousands of vulnerable adults” will now qualify for the jab, which can be administered by GPs or, in some areas, local high street pharmacies, NHS England stated. The JCVI identified these groups as having a higher risk of severe RSV outcomes, including hospitalization, particularly during winter when cases peaked.
Why Is This Expansion Significant?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of severe respiratory illness in older adults. A 2021 study estimated that RSV accounted for a seasonal annual average of 71 respiratory admissions per 100,000 adults age 65-74. Dr. Adrian Boyle, Royal College of Emergency Medicine immediate past president, highlighted that “each year, RSV is responsible for thousands of older people falling ill—many of them will need to attend an ED.”
Caroline Temmink, director of vaccination at NHS England, emphasized that the expansion would “help keep people out of hospital.” Dr. Conall Watson, a consultant epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency, noted that “new evidence makes it clear that these two groups of patients are at the highest risk of needing hospital admission due to RSV.”
How Will the Vaccine Be Administered?
Eligible individuals will be able to receive the RSV vaccine through their local GP practice or, in some parts of the country, at their local high street pharmacy.
Professor Victoria Tzortziou Brown, Royal College of GPs president, described vaccination as “one of the most effective” ways to protect patients and reduce avoidable hospital admissions.
What Are the Broader Implications?
The expansion aligns with broader efforts to strengthen preventative care for older adults. By targeting high-risk groups, the NHS aims to