What is RSV and who is eligible for the vaccine?

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/11/what-is-rsv-and-who-is-eligible-for-the-vaccine/ Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major respiratory virus that is most common over the winter period, typically November to February. Most cases are mild, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Before the vaccine was introduced, RSV caused around 30,000 hospitalisations of children under 5 in the UK each year, and 20 to 30 infant deaths. It also caused around 9,000 hospitalisations annually in adults over 75, often triggering pneumonia or flare-ups of long-term lung conditions. The vaccination programme is already making a difference. In 2025-26, England saw 50% fewer infants under 6 months admitted to intensive care with RSV compared with the previous season, as the maternal vaccination programme took full effect. Data also shows a sustained reduction in RSV-related hospital admissions among eligible adults aged 75 to 80. Who is at risk? Babies are especially vulnerable because their airways are small and their immunity is still developing. RSV can lead to bronchiolitis, a lung infection causing inflammation, and is most common in infants under one year old. Bronchi...