Older state pensioners aged 80 and over are being urged to visit their GP from April to protect against the respiratory virus. The NHS vaccine programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been expanded to include people aged 80 and over, with people in this age group, alongside all residents in care homes, to be offered the jab from April 1.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds and while it usually gets better by itself, it can cause severe illness for babies and older adults. Those who are infected with RSV typically experience cold-like symptoms, including a runny or blocked nose, a cough, sneezing, tiredness and a high temperature, but it can also lead to a more serious infection like pneumonia or bronchiolitis.

A vaccination for RSV was initially rolled out in September 2024 for adults turning 75 and women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect their newborn baby, and there was also a one-off catch-up programme launched targeting those aged 75 to 79.

But following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the government has now confirmed that the RSV vaccination programme will be rolled out to older adults aged 80 and over from April 1.

The government said: “On February 2, 2026 the government decided, in line with JCVI advice, that the RSV vaccine should be offered to additional groups in the population most vulnerable to serious outcomes from RSV infection and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.

“Vaccination will therefore be offered in England from 1 April 2026 to:

adults aged 80 years and overall residents in care homes for older adults

“This is in addition to the existing programme, which offers RSV vaccination to:

adults turning 75 yearsadults aged 75 to 79 years when the programme beganpregnant women (to protect their newborn babies).”

Those who are eligible for both RSV and Covid-19 vaccinations will be able to get both vaccines at the same appointment once the spring Covid-19 jab rollout begins on April 13.

Older people are advised to book an appointment for their RSV vaccination from April once invited to do so by their GP.

Health Minister Stephen Kinnock said: “By expanding this life-saving vaccination programme to also include adults aged 80 and over, and residents in care homes for older adults, we are taking another important step to protect those most at risk.

“I am pleased to accept the advice from the JCVI, which has carefully reviewed the evidence showing the clear benefits of extending this programme.

“I would encourage everyone who becomes eligible for the RSV vaccine from April to come forward and get vaccinated as soon as they have been invited to do so by their GP. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter months.”