The RSV vaccine, which was first introduced in 2024 for people aged 75 to 79, has been found to reduce the risk of hospitalisation by 75 per cent, according to a new study.
Public Health Wales (PHW) said the vaccine had already led to over 13 per cent drop in RSV-related admissions among the eligible 75 – 79 age group between October 2024 and April 2025.
RSV is a common virus but can be dangerous in older adults, causing serious illnesses such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.
Each year, RSV is estimated to cause between 700 and 1,000 hospital admissions among people over 75, and up to 9,000 GP appointments.
Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at PHW, said: “These early results are very encouraging and show that the vaccine is providing strong protection for older adults in Wales.
“More than 100,000 people aged 75–79 have already taken up the offer of RSV vaccination.
“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.
“We know that vaccination is the best way to protect ourselves and others against illnesses like RSV and COVID-19.
“I would encourage everyone who is invited to take up the offer of vaccination this spring.”
Following the early success of the pilot, the RSV vaccine programme is now being expanded to include people aged 80 and over.
A catch-up programme will see people aged 80 and over, and residents in care homes for older adults, offered the RSV vaccine between April and June this year.
Where possible, the COVID-19 spring vaccination will be offered at the same time.
