NHS expands RSV vaccine programme to protect more people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

More people across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will be eligible for a free NHS respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination from September, as the programme expands to protect more people at increased risk of serious illness.

From 1 September 2026, adults aged 65 to 74 with certain long-term lung conditions or weakened immune systems will be able to receive the vaccine, helping reduce their risk of serious illness and hospital admission from RSV.

The expansion comes as new national figures highlight the impact of the RSV vaccination programme, with RSV-related hospitalisation rates among eligible 75 to 80-year-olds falling by more than 40% following vaccination.

There has also been a 50% reduction in hospital admissions for babies under six months with confirmed RSV. The maternal vaccine provides more than 80% protection against hospital admission for newborn babies.

The NHS is encouraging everyone already eligible for the RSV vaccine to come forward when invited and get protected ahead of autumn and winter.

The RSV programme already offers protection to adults turning 75, residents in care homes for older adults, and pregnant women from 28 weeks to help protect their newborn babies.

GP Hannah Missen said: "RSV is a common virus that circulates throughout the year, although infections usually increase during autumn and winter. While it can cause mild cold-like symptoms, for some people it can lead to serious lung infections, including pneumonia and bronchiolitis, and each year RSV results in thousands of hospital admissions across England.

"Older adults, babies and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to serious illness from RSV, which is why vaccination is so important. The RSV vaccine helps your immune system recognise and respond to the virus, reducing the risk of serious infection and helping protect those most vulnerable.

"If your GP has invited you to get your RSV vaccine, please come forward now rather than waiting until winter. RSV circulates throughout the year, and getting protected before levels increase gives you the best chance of staying well."

Vanessa Whatley, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, said: "Our teams are continuing to invite everyone who is already eligible for their RSV vaccination so they can be protected ahead of the busier autumn and winter months.

"The latest figures show that vaccination is helping to reduce serious RSV illness, with hospitalisation rates among eligible older adults falling by more than 40%, while the number of babies needing intensive or high-dependency care with RSV has also fallen by half.

"The vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of serious RSV illness and hospitalisation, helping people stay well and supporting our NHS services during the months when respiratory viruses are more common.

"From September, we'll also be able to offer the vaccine to more people with underlying health conditions, helping more residents stay protected."

How to get the RSV vaccine

• Pregnant: usually offered the vaccine from your 28-week antenatal appointment. If not, contact your maternity service or GP surgery.
• Aged 75 or over: contact your GP surgery to book or wait for an invitation.
• A care home resident: speak to care home staff or your GP surgery.
• Aged 65 to 74 with certain long-term lung conditions or a weakened immune system: eligible from 1 September 2026. Speak to your GP surgery about getting protected.

Alongside RSV vaccination, eligible people should also take up offers of flu and COVID-19 vaccinations when invited this autumn.

For more information about RSV and who is eligible, visit the NHS website: www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/rsv-vaccine/