What is RSV and who is eligible for the vaccine?
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically November to February. Most cases are mild, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common winter virus that can cause serious illness, particularly in infants and older adults. Before a vaccine was available, RSV led to around 30,000 hospitalizations of children under 5 in the UK annually, with 20-30 infant deaths. In adults over 75, it caused about 9,000 hospitalizations each year, often resulting in pneumonia or worsening of existing lung conditions.
The vaccination program has shown results, cutting infant intensive care admissions under 6 months by 50% in 2025-26 compared to the previous season due to the maternal vaccination program.
The at-risk groups for severe RSV include babies, whose small airways and developing immunity make them vulnerable to bronchiolitis, a lung infection causing inflammation. Older adults, especially those with chronic lung conditions like COPD or a weakened immune system, are also at higher risk of severe infection and hospitalization.
Pregnant women are the primary recipients of the RSV vaccine, as it reduces the risk of severe lung infection by 80% in a baby's first months of life. It is administered during pregnancy, usually between 28 and 32 weeks, through maternity services. If not offered at the scheduled time, women can still receive it up to birth. Premature babies, especially those born before 32 weeks, may require a different form of immunization, administered by hospital pediatric teams.
Adults aged 75 and older, as well as those in care homes for older adults, and those aged 65-74 with long-term lung conditions or weakened immune systems, are also eligible for the vaccine.
Written by urgent.news from UK Health Security Agency's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
