JANUARY Question of the Month

QUESTION – Is it a good idea to get the RSV jab? What are the rules? + why?

ANSWER -Is it a good idea (in general)?

For people who are eligible, the RSV vaccination programme is recommended because RSV can cause serious respiratory illness, particularly in:

Older adults (higher risk of severe infection and complications), and

Babies , where RSV is a major cause of hospitalisation; vaccinating pregnant women helps protect newborns.

NHS England has highlighted RSV as a leading cause of infant illness and a significant winter pressure, and is encouraging uptake in eligible groups.

What are the rules (eligibility)?

Based on NHS England contractual guidance and programme information, the key eligible cohorts include:

1) Older adults

People aged 75 years (routine programme): 1 dose of RSV vaccine.

Catch-up cohorts (time-limited):

Aged 75–78 on 31 August 2024 – eligible until 31 August 2026

Aged 79 on 31 August 2024 – eligible until 31 August 2026

(These cohorts also receive 1 dose )

2) Pregnant women

The NHS recommends RSV vaccination in pregnancy (NHS communications emphasise acting when newly eligible). The programme messaging referenced is aimed at pregnant women , with eligibility described as from 16 weeks of pregnancy in NHS communications about maternal vaccination timing.

(If you tell me whether you mean pregnancy or older adult eligibility, I can summarise the relevant pathway more clearly.)

Why is it recommended?

Protects those at highest risk: RSV can be severe in older adults and very young infants.

Prevents hospital admissions: Reducing RSV illness helps patients and reduces winter pressure on NHS services.

Baby protection via pregnancy vaccination: Maternal vaccination helps protect the baby during the early months of life when they are most vulnerable.