A new letter signed by officials at the UKHSA and NHS England has been published by the Government
A new letter from the UKHSA and NHS England was published online (stock image)(Image: EMS-FORSTER-PRODUCTIONS via Getty Images)
The Government has highlighted an important update to the a vaccination programme, which will begin on April 1, 2026. This NHS modification particularly impacts people in England and forms part of efforts to enhance protection against the respiratory syncytial virus.
From September 2024, RSV vaccination has been routinely available to older adults reaching 75, with an initial catch-up offered to those aged 75 and above on September 1, 2024. However, from April 1, 2026, the programme’s eligibility requirements will be extended to include those aged 80 years and over, with no upper age limit.
Whilst this matter was considered in 2025, the Government published correspondence earlier today that explores the update in greater detail. The letter is signed by Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, and Dr Mary Ramsay CBE, Director of Public Health Programmes (including immunisation) at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The document, addressed to those responsible for delivering and commissioning the RSV vaccination programme, explains: “The forthcoming change from 1 April 2026 will expand the eligibility criteria for the older adult RSV programme to also include those aged 80 years and over (with no upper age limit).
“Adults aged 75 years and over who have not previously received a single dose of RSV vaccine under the NHS RSV campaign may be offered the vaccine from this point forward. In addition, all residents in care homes for older adults will also become eligible, regardless of their age, due to their increased risk from RSV.”
The correspondence additionally explains that this expansion will allow providers to deliver co-administration alongside the COVID-19 vaccine from spring 2026 for those who qualify.
This approach is particularly recommended in care homes for older adults ‘to help achieve high uptake before rates of RSV circulation increase in the winter months, and to reduce costs to the NHS’.
It continues: “However, RSV vaccines can be administered at any time and offers of vaccination should continue throughout the year. GP providers are expected to deliver a 100% offer to eligible groups, with call and recall delivered at the earliest opportunity.
“Providers should also ensure they have robust plans in place to identify and address health inequalities for all underserved groups, and it is expected progress will be made on reducing unwarranted variation and improving uptake.”
Respiratory syncytial virus – known as RSV – is amongst the most prevalent viruses responsible for coughs and colds during winter months. Whilst many infections resolve on their own, they can occasionally be serious for infants and elderly people.
The NHS states that typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, coughing, sneezing, tiredness and a high temperature with shivering. Should RSV progress to a more severe infection, it may also trigger the following symptoms:
- A cough that gets worse
- Shortness of breath
- Faster breathing or long gaps between breaths
- Difficulty feeding (in babies) or loss of appetite
- Noisy breathing (wheezing)
- Confusion (in older adults)
Further advice from the NHS explains: “There’s no specific treatment for an RSV infection. It often gets better on its own in 1 or 2 weeks and you can usually look after yourself or your child at home.
“Children and adults who get a more serious infection may need to be treated in hospital. Treatment in hospital may include being given fluids to avoid dehydration or oxygen to help you breathe.”
To learn more about RSV and who else is eligible for the vaccination, visit the NHS website here. You may also read the full letter from NHS England and the UKHSA at GOV.UK here.