RSV vaccine in Wales: who is eligible and why a flu jab does not cover it
A flu jab does not protect against respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV. The Welsh Government is reminding people that RSV vaccination is a separate offer as Wales prepares for winter. Its 12 October announcement says RSV usually causes mild symptoms but can cause serious illness, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in babies, older people and people with weakened immune systems.
RSV eligibility at a glance
- Older adults
- 75 and over; older care-home residents
- Clinical risk-group extension
- 65–74, qualifying conditions
- Pregnancy offer
- During each pregnancy
- After September catch-up
- Eligibility continues
Who is offered the RSV vaccine?
The routine offer includes adults aged 75 and over and pregnant women, with vaccination during each pregnancy intended to help protect newborn babies. The Welsh Government’s programme guidance also includes residents of care homes for older adults. From 1 September 2026, eligibility expanded to adults aged 65 to 74 who are immunosuppressed or have qualifying chronic respiratory disease. The clinical criteria include poorly controlled asthma and COPD, but exclude well-controlled asthma. An age of 65 to 74 alone does not qualify someone for this offer.
September was a catch-up campaign, not an eligibility deadline
The targeted catch-up period for the newly eligible risk groups ended on 30 September. The Welsh Government’s clinical circular explicitly says eligible people remain eligible afterwards and should continue to be offered vaccination through general practice. The older-adult programme currently uses one dose, with no recommendation for routine repeat vaccination. Someone vaccinated through the 65-to-74 risk-group offer does not require another dose simply because they turn 75.
How to check your own offer
Take up the invitation if eligible, or ask your GP practice to check your vaccination record and whether the clinical criteria apply. Pregnancy vaccination can be discussed with your maternity team. Flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines protect against different viruses, and their eligibility rules differ. Ask the vaccination service about which appointments you need rather than assuming one vaccine covers all three. The official announcement and programme guidance are linked below.