Publish date: 30 March 2026
The start of April sees the launch of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination programme for older adults – with the spring/summer 2026 COVID-19 vaccination campaign also getting under way later in the month.
RSV is a major cause of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, and can be particularly dangerous for older adults leading to difficulty breathing, often resulting in hospital admissions.
From 1 April 2026, the NHS RSV vaccine will be available to all adults aged 80 and over, and to all residents in care homes for older adults - with adults aged 75–79 remaining eligible if they have not yet received their RSV vaccination.
It is also available for pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy to protect their baby from serious lung infection.
A single dose of the RSV vaccine is needed to provide protection for a few years. The vaccine can be booked via a patient's GP practice or in participating pharmacies in some parts of England, including in Lancashire.
The spring/summer 2026 COVID-19 programme starts on 13 April and ends on 31 June 2026. Eligibility remains the same as last year - again, it is available to over-75s and people in a care home for older adults, as well as those aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.
Dr Andy Knox, medical director for Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said: “The spring/summer vaccines are just as important as the winter ones, and are the most effective way to combat both RSV and COVID-19, which are both circulating at this time of year.
“RSV in particular causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year, but recent studies have found that the vaccine is around 87 per cent effective against the most severe forms of illness that require oxygen in hospital.
“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away, and it is still a serious illness that can be dangerous to those who are most vulnerable.
“For either of these vaccines, you don’t have to wait to be contacted by your doctor – if you know you are eligible, you can contact your GP practice or visit the NHS website to book.”
Eligible people can book an RSV vaccine or COVID-19 vaccine by visiting www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services.
