The RSV vaccine programme will be expanded to include thousands more vulnerable adults, NHS England (NHSE) announced today.
NHSE said that from September, adults aged 65 to 74 who live with a chronic respiratory condition such as asthma, bronchitis or cystic fibrosis, or who have a suppressed immune system, will be eligible to receive the RSV vaccine.
This includes those who have a weakened immune system due to conditions such as diabetes and blood cancer or treatments like chemotherapy.
Read more: Govt accepts advice to expand RSV vaccine eligibility
The vaccine is already available to all pregnant women and care home residents, and the programme was expanded to include those aged over 80 earlier this year.
Data from NHSE showed that in the last three months alone, over half a million people aged 80 or over received the jab.
NHSE said those eligible for the RSV vaccine will be able to receive it at their GP and, “in some parts of the country”, at their local pharmacy.
Read more: RSV maternal vaccine protects newborn babies, study finds
Public health minister Sharon Hodgson said RSV “can cause serious illness for older adults and those with underlying health conditions”.
“By expanding the vaccination programme, we’re making sure more people who are at higher risk are protected before they become seriously ill.”
Read more: JCVI: Extend RSV jab to over-65s with chronic respiratory disease
It comes after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation in April advised that adults aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory disease should be offered the RSV vaccine.
And it follows a UK Health Security Agency study finding that the maternal RSV vaccine provides “over 80% protection for newborn infants”, including those born prematurely.