Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations
Since September 2024, pregnant women, between 28 and 36 weeks, and people aged 75 to 79 have been offered an RSV vaccine to help protect the most vulnerable from the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), at the recommendation of the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation). From the 1st April 2026, this vaccine will be offered to individuals aged 80 years and above and also to care home residents for older adults.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common winter virus, which almost all children have had by the time they are two years old. It is common for older children and adults to have the virus again.
For most people, RSV causes a mild illness, such as a cough or cold. However, babies under one year of age and older adults are at risk of becoming very unwell. Sometimes, people who get ill from RSV infection need to go to hospital. RSV can be more dangerous for some people, especially those with certain health conditions. It may even cause death.
The vaccine has been shown to have high effectiveness in protecting against hospitalisation with RSV in older adults. Findings from a study in England show a significant reduction in hospital admissions with RSV in adults aged 75 to 79 years old during the first RSV season following implementation of the programme.
For more information about the RSV vaccine, follow this link to the Public Health Wales website.
Rydym yn croesawu gohebiaeth a galwadau ffôn yn y Gymraeg neu'r Saesneg. Atebir gohebiaeth Gymraeg yn y Gymraeg, ac ni fydd hyn yn arwain at oedi. Mae’r dudalen hon ar gael yn Gymraeg drwy bwyso’r botwm ar y dde ar frig y dudalen.
We welcome correspondence and telephone calls in Welsh or English. Welsh language correspondence will be replied to in Welsh, and this will not lead to a delay. This page is available in Welsh by clicking ‘Cymraeg’ at the top right of this page.