Respiratory syncytial virus (or RSV) affects the chest and lungs, and can cause very serious illness for older people
This one-off vaccine will help to protect people aged over 75 and others at higher risk from serious illness caused by RSV. You do not need to have it every year.
The vaccine has been fully tested and trialled, and is safe and effective. It is already in use in countries around the world, and has been shown to significantly reduce the number of hospital admissions related to RSV among older people.
From April 2026 onwards, the RSV vaccine will be offered to the following groups:
Further guidance about eligibility is available from the Welsh Government.
Patients will usually be invited to attend an appointment to receive the vaccine at their GP surgery during the three months following their 75th birthday.
Some patients may be invited to have the vaccine at one of the health board’s vaccination centres. Please look out for your invitation, or bookable clinics advertised by your surgery. People who live in a care home or who are housebound will be offered the vaccine in their home.
Patients aged over 75 and over who have not received the vaccine can choose to catch up at any time by contacting their GP surgery. Please take up the offer to protect yourself from the risk of serious illness.