There will be an expansion of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine eligibility to those aged 80 years and older as well as residents in care homes for older adults from 1 April 2026.
NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) announced the expansion in a letter to those delivering the programme.
GP practices are ‘expected to deliver a 100% offer to eligible groups, with call and recall delivered at the earliest opportunity’, said the letter from Caroline Temmink, NHS England director of vaccination, and Dr Mary Ramsay, UKHSA director of public health programmes.
It also said practices should ensure they have ‘robust plans in place to identify and address health inequalities for all underserved groups’.
It added that progress was ‘expected’ on reducing ‘unwarranted variation and improving uptake’.
Expansion is intended to protect those at increased risk of RSV, and care home residents will be eligible regardless of age, said the letter.
The change comes after the latest advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
It expands the existing programme, which since September 2024 has offered routine RSV vaccination to older adults as they turn 75.
RSV vaccines can be administered alongside certain other vaccines, such as COVID-19 and Shingrix®, which may increase opportunities to offer the vaccine, said guidance.
As this expansion coincides with the Spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination campaign, co-administration is encouraged where individuals are eligible for both vaccines.
The guidance also said that RSV vaccination is not seasonal and should be offered year-round.
The vaccine used in the programme will continue to be Abrysvo® on a one-dose schedule.
Practices have been advised to hold no more than two to four weeks’ worth of vaccine supply at any time and to rotate stocks of vaccine in fridges to minimise wastage.
GP practice-level coverage will be collected quarterly from participating practices via ImmForm.
Clinical guidance is available in the RSV chapter of the Green Book, and updated training materials will be published on the RSV vaccination programme webpage.
Updated patient information materials will be available on the RSV vaccination programme webpage and to order from the Find Health Publications and patient-facing resources and health professional posters can be ordered free of charge through Find public health resources.
Further information and implementation details are expected as part of the forthcoming 2026/27 GP contract update.
