Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine - Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination information

Before the RSV vaccination programme started in the UK, around 33,500 children under five went to hospital because of the virus each year. Every winter in England and Wales, RSV is thought to cause 5,000 to 7,500 deaths in older adults. Most of these deaths are in adults over 75 years.

Why have an RSV vaccination programme? 

In September 2023, vaccine experts advised the Government to introduce an RSV vaccination programme for babies and older adults. Wales started the programme in September 2024.  

The RSV programme was introduced to help protect babies and older adults from serious illness each autumn and winter. The programme also aims to reduce the need for hospital care and GP visits caused by RSV.  

Risk groups 

Maternal programme to protect babies

RSV can make newborn babies and infants very unwell. 

It can cause lung infections called bronchiolitis or pneumonia. These conditions can make it hard for babies to breathe and to feed. They may need hospital care to help them get better.  

The RSV vaccine is offered during pregnancy to help protect babies against serious illness caused by RSV during their first months of life.

For more information about the maternal RSV vaccination programme, visit the RSV programme for pregnant women and their babies page.

Programme for older adults

In older adults, RSV can cause severe breathing problems, particularly in those who are frail or have other health conditions. RSV infection might cause pneumonia (infection of the lungs) or even death.

For more information about the RSV vaccination programme for older adults, visit the RSV vaccination information for older adults page.

Page last reviewed: 6th July 2026