The Department of Health has approved plans to expand the
vaccination programme to protect more people against Respiratory
Syncytial Virus (RSV) and its complications.
From April, all adults over 80 years of age will be eligible for
the RSV vaccination. Vaccinations will also be offered to all
residents of care homes for older adults, starting later this
month. This is an expansion of the RSV programme for older adults
launched in 2024, which was initially available to those aged 75
to 79 years of age.
This is a one-off vaccination that does not need to be repeated
each year. The decision follows advice from the Joint Committee
on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) in June 2025, which
recommended expanding the RSV vaccination programme.
Health Minister said: “RSV is a common virus
which usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. However, we know
that in older adults, it can cause severe complications which can
lead to hospitalisation, adding pressure to our already stretched
Health and Social Care system.
“I would encourage all those eligible, to avail of the
vaccination when offered in order to help protect yourself from
illness.
“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 until
they are old enough to receive the vaccine.”
Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride added: “RSV
has the potential to lead to serious health complications,
particularly in older people who are more likely to have
underlying chronic health conditions, such as lung and heart
disorders. Vaccination programmes are an essential public health
measure that can help protect the most vulnerable members of our
society.
“Vaccinations are one of the most effective ways to protect
yourself, and I would urge anyone who is eligible for the RSV
vaccination to take it. The RSV vaccine for older adults and
residents of care homes for older adults can be administered at
the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, and many eligible
individuals are likely to be offered both vaccines at the same
time during April, May and June this year. If older people
are not vaccinated, quite simple, they are not protected.”
Notes to editors:
- In July 2024, the Department announced that adults aged from
75-79 years of age will be offered the RSV vaccination.
- In July 2025, it was announced that the programme was
expanded further to include pregnant women over 28 weeks
pregnant.
- RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild,
cold-like symptoms in adults and children, however the severity
of illness developed can vary. For infants, RSV can cause
bronchiolitis which can be serious.
- After infants, older adults are most likely to experience
severe complications from RSV that could lead to hospitalisation.
Older adults are more likely to have underlying chronic health
conditions such as lung and heart disorders that increase the
likelihood of severe RSV complications.
- Further information on the roll-out of the programme will be
published shortly.
