Collection

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme

Documents relating to the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme.

• From: UK Health Security Agency
• Published: 24 June 2024
• Last updated: 29 July 2024 — See all updates

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is an enveloped RNA virus, in the same family as the human parainfluenza viruses and mumps and measles viruses. RSV is one of the common viruses that cause coughs and colds in winter. RSV is transmitted by large droplets and by secretions from contact with an infected person.

Infants under one year of age and the elderly are at the greatest risk of developing severe disease. While most RSV infections usually cause mild illness, infants aged less than 6 months frequently develop the most severe disease such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which may result in hospitalisation. 

From 1 September 2024, 2 new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes will be introduced:

Programme for older adults aged 75 to 79 years old

All adults turning 75 years old on or after 1 September 2024 will be eligible for the routine programme and should be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. A one-off catch-up campaign for those already aged 75 to 79 years old on 1 September 2024 will be undertaken at the earliest opportunity.

Programme for pregnant women to protect infants

All women who are at least 28 weeks pregnant (the eligible cohort) on 1 September 2024, will be offered a single dose of the RSV vaccine. After that, pregnant women will become eligible as they reach 28 weeks gestation and remain eligible up to birth.

Training resources

Download the training slide sets for healthcare professionals:

• RSV older adults vaccination programme slide set
• RSV maternal vaccination programme slide set

Guidance

• Respiratory syncytial virus: the green book, chapter 27a
  • 1 October 2024
  • Guidance
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) programme: information for healthcare professionals
  • 12 July 2024
  • Guidance

Patient Group Direction (PGD)

• Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: PGD template
  • 29 July 2024
  • Guidance

Invitations

Invitation templates for older adults are available, including:

• Letter for an open appointment
• Letter for a timed appointment
• SMSs for open and timed appointments

These templates have been produced by NHS England for local use by GP surgeries.

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults
  • 4 September 2024
  • Guidance

Leaflets and posters

Posters are available free to order:

• RSV older adults programme poster
• RSV maternal vaccination programme poster  

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults
  • 4 September 2024
  • Guidance
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): maternal vaccination
  • 6 August 2024
  • Guidance

Programme documents

• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programmes letter
  • 24 June 2024
  • Correspondence
• RSV immunisation programme: JCVI advice, 7 June 2023 (updated 11 September 2023)
  • 11 September 2023
  • Independent report

Published 24 June 2024
Last updated 29 July 2024 + show all updates

1. 29 July 2024

   Added 'Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine: PGD template'.

2. 12 July 2024

   Added RSV Green Book chapter, links to training slide sets, links to posters and maternal vaccination guide.

3. 10 July 2024

   Added link to poster.

4. 5 July 2024

   Added 'Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): vaccination for older adults' to documents.

5. 24 June 2024

   First published.