From September 2024, older adults in England aged 75 to 79 will be eligible for a free RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine. This programme aims to protect against RSV, a virus that can cause serious respiratory illnesses like pneumonia in vulnerable populations. RSV spreads easily through coughs and sneezes, and while it often causes mild cold-like symptoms, it can be life-threatening for older adults, particularly those with underlying health conditions.

The vaccine offers crucial protection, especially as immunity to RSV tends to weaken with age. Unlike flu vaccines, a single dose provides lasting protection for at least two years, reducing the severity of potential infections. Eligible individuals will be invited by the NHS to receive the vaccine, which can be administered alongside other vaccines like shingles or pneumococcal​.

For more details, visit Gov.uk.