RSV vaccine cuts hospitalisation risk by 75% – and it is now available to the over-80s in Wales
The RSV vaccine cuts the risk of hospitalisation from the virus by 75 per cent among older adults who receive it, according to a new study from Public Health Wales.
The research, published in the Lancet Regional Health Europe Journal on 31 March, examined vaccine effectiveness in adults aged 75 to 79 during winter 2024-25.
A separate finding from the same study period showed RSV-related hospital admissions fell by more than 13 per cent across the entire 75 to 79 age group between October 2024 and April 2025.
RSV is a common respiratory virus that can cause bronchiolitis and pneumonia in older adults.
Between 700 and 1,000 people aged over 75 are admitted to hospital with RSV in Wales each year, and the virus leads to up to 9,000 GP appointments annually.
The vaccination programme was first introduced in Wales in 2024 for people aged 75 to 79.
More than 100,000 people in that age group have taken up the offer.
The programme is now extending to people aged 80 and over, and to residents in care homes for older adults.
A catch-up running between April and June will offer the RSV vaccine to those groups across Wales.
Where possible, the COVID-19 spring vaccination will be offered at the same appointment.
Dr Christopher Johnson, Head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “These early results are very encouraging and show that the vaccine is providing strong protection for older adults in Wales.
“The expansion of the vaccination programme to people aged 80 and over gives us an opportunity to prevent even more RSV-linked hospital stays.
“This will benefit individuals, but it will also help ease pressure on GPs and hospitals in Wales.
“I would encourage everyone who is invited to take up the offer of vaccination this spring.”
Further information is available at the Public Health Wales website.
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