Vaccination updates
Updates on our vaccination plans and progress in North Wales
August 14, 2026
We have written to everyone in North Wales aged between 65 and 74 who is at higher risk of serious illness caused by RSV to invite them for a one-off vaccine to protect against the virus
RSV (or Respiratory syncytial virus) affects the chest and lungs, and can cause older people and people with some health conditions to become very unwell.
A successful RSV vaccination programme for people aged over 75 was introduced in 2024. Research published earlier this year showed the vaccine lowered the risk of needing treatment in hospital by 75%.
Following Welsh Government advice, the RSV vaccination programme has now been extended to include people aged 65 and over who have a weaker immune system or one of a number of health conditions affecting their chest and lungs.
This includes people who have a weaker immune system because of illness or medical treatment, and people who have a chronic respiratory disease – including poorly controlled asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Full eligibility details for people with a weaker immune system are available here.
Eligible patients will receive an appointment letter during August. Appointments will take place at one of the health board’s community vaccination centres during September.
We encourage everyone who is eligible for the vaccine to attend their appointment, as this will guarantee they have the best possible protection ahead of winter – when RSV circulates widely.
Patients who are unable to attend their appointment should follow the instructions on their letter to rearrange. Patients who miss their appointment, who are not able to attend an appointment during September, or who become eligible for the vaccine as they turn 65 or receive a new diagnosis will be able to arrange RSV vaccination at their GP surgery from October onwards.
This one-off vaccine does not need to be repeated each year.
RSV vaccination is also routinely offered to pregnant women at around 28 weeks to help protect newborn babies and young infants from RSV. Further information about RSV vaccination is available here.
Meningitis B vaccination for young people
We continue to offer meningitis B vaccination to eligible young people – with walk-in clinics offering the vaccine without an appointment taking place across North Wales during August.
Our latest update on meningitis B vaccination for young people is available here.