More people aged between 65 and 74 who are at higher risk of becoming seriously ill from respiratory syncytial virus are to be offered a free RSV vaccine in Wales this September.

The time-limited programme is being introduced for older adults who are immunosuppressed or have chronic respiratory disease, as evidence suggests their risk of being hospitalised with RSV is similar to people aged over 75, who already qualify for the vaccine through the NHS.

RSV is a very common virus which usually causes cold-like symptoms, but it can lead to much more serious illness, particularly in older people, babies and those with underlying health conditions. It can cause infections including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, and during the winter months it can put significant pressure on health services.

In Wales, RSV is responsible for between 700 and 1,000 hospital admissions among people aged over 75 every year, as well as as many as 9,000 GP appointments.

That means the impact is felt beyond the people who become ill. Increased RSV infections during the winter can mean more GP appointments, hospital admissions and demand for NHS staff and beds at a time when health services are already dealing with seasonal pressures.

The RSV vaccine is already routinely offered to everyone aged 75 and over. A study led by Public Health Wales, working with other UK research teams, found that vaccination reduced the risk of hospitalisation from RSV by 75 per cent among adults aged 75 to 79 during the winter of 2024-25.

The study also found that RSV-related hospital admissions among the eligible 75 to 79 age group fell by more than 13 per cent between October 2024 and April 2025, despite the vaccination programme being in its early stages.

Public Health Wales says extending the offer to higher-risk people aged 65 to 74 could help prevent further serious illness and reduce pressure on GPs and hospitals during the winter.

Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said the evidence showed that the vaccine was effective.

“We have strong evidence that the RSV vaccine works. It reduces the risk of ending up in hospital with RSV by around 75 per cent, helping protect older adults from serious illness,” he said.

“By expanding free access to more people aged 65 to 74 who are at higher risk, we can help keep more people healthy and out of hospital, particularly during the winter months when RSV is most dangerous.”

He urged anyone eligible to take up the offer when invited.

The new programme will begin in September and is specifically aimed at higher-risk people aged 65 to 74.

Further information about RSV and the vaccination programme is available from Public Health Wales.