Call to get vaccinated as RSV programme expanded

RSV vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone who is eligible for the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination to get it when invited. The call comes as eligibility for the vaccine has now been expanded to include a greater number of people, helping increase protection against the virus we would like to remind those eligible that this disease can cause serious complications and would therefore urge them to come forward for vaccination when invited.

From 1 April, all adults over 80 years of age are eligible for the RSV vaccination and will be invited by their GP practice to get it. This age group is in addition to those already eligible, including adults aged between 75 and 79 years, and pregnant women - to help protect their babies after they are born. The programme has also been extended to include all residents in care homes for older adults, regardless of age.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: "RSV is a common and highly infectious respiratory virus that affects the breathing system, particularly in young children and older adults. RSV infections often lead to mild cold-like symptoms, but in some cases, especially in infants and individuals with compromised immune systems, it can cause severe respiratory issues such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia which often require hospitalisation.

“During 2025, there were 476 episodes of RSV reported in infants under the age of one, with 195 episodes reported in people aged 75 and over. In the same year, 335 infants under the age of one and 130 people aged 75 and over were hospitalised due to RSV. 

" By expanding this life-saving vaccination programme we are taking another important step to help protect those most at risk, so I would encourage everyone who becomes eligible for the RSV vaccine to come forward and get it as soon as they have been invited to do so by their GP. If you’re eligible, getting vaccinated is the best and simplest thing you can do to help protect yourself or your baby from RSV.”

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I have approved the expansion of the RSV vaccination programme, which builds on the adult programme in place since 2024.  There is also a maternal RSV vaccination programme available for all pregnant women aimed at protecting their newborn babies.

“I would encourage all those eligible, to avail of the vaccination when offered in order to help protect yourself from illness.”

Vaccination is now being offered in Northern Ireland to:

  • adults aged 80 years and over

This is in addition to the existing groups who are eligible for RSV vaccination:

  • residents in care homes for older adults
  • adults turning 75 years
  • adults aged 75 to 79 years when the programme began
  • pregnant women (to protect their babies after they are born)

Older adults

People who have not yet received an RSV vaccination and are over the age of 75 will be invited by their GP practice. We urge everyone who is eligible to take up the offer promptly when contacted by their GP. Residents in care homes and those who are housebound will be offered vaccination from their local HSC Trust vaccination team.

Those who are eligible for both RSV and spring COVID-19 vaccinations may be offered them at the same time by their GP practice once the spring 2026 COVID-19 campaign begins on 13 April 2026, in line with JCVI guidance.

Pregnant women

There is no change to the existing programme for RSV vaccination to pregnant women, who are being offered the vaccine during antenatal appointments with their midwife from 28 weeks into their pregnancy. The timing of the vaccine offer will help protect their newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection. 

Rachel concluded: “The virus spreads through respiratory droplets, making it easily transmissible, especially in crowded settings. This vaccination programme will help protect some of those who are most at risk from getting an RSV infection.

“If you are eligible, I would strongly encourage you to get vaccinated to give yourself or your newborn the best protection from RSV and any potentially serious illness it can bring. The RSV programme operates on a year-round basis, so no matter what time of the year it is, it’s important to take up the offer of vaccination to ensure protection when cases may be at their highest.”

View information on the RSV vaccine for adults at www.pha.site/immunisation-and-vaccinations