Older adults encouraged to take up RSV vaccine offer

With invitation letters arriving soon, Public Health Scotland (PHS) is encouraging older adults to take up the offer of vaccination against Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).

RSV is a common and highly infectious virus that affects the breathing system. It generally causes mild illness with cold-like symptoms, such as a runny nose, cough, fever, or decrease in appetite. RSV can be very serious for those who are at the highest risk of serious illness from the infection, including older adults and babies.

In the coming weeks, those turning 75 years old between 1 August 2025 and 31 July 2026 will receive invitations to get their RSV vaccine.

The RSV vaccine, which was first offered in Scotland last year, has been successful in reducing hospitalisations among those who are more vulnerable to serious complications of RSV infection. A study published earlier this year showed a 62% reduction in RSV related hospitalisations among the eligible older adult age groups following the vaccine’s introduction in August 2024.

The RSV vaccine is also offered during pregnancy, from 28 weeks. RSV is the leading cause of respiratory hospital admissions for young babies in Scotland. Getting vaccinated while pregnant will help protect newborn babies from serious illness caused by an RSV infection. 

Dr Kimberly Marsh, Interim Lead, Viral Respiratory Pathogens at PHS, said:

“The elderly and infants under one year of age are at greater risk of hospitalisation from severe RSV.

“We know that the RSV vaccine has been very effective in reducing hospitalisations and that’s why we’re urging older adults who become eligible for the RSV vaccination this year - and all pregnant women - to take up the offer. Getting vaccinated is the best thing you can do to protect yourself, or your newborn baby, against serious illness caused by RSV.”

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Professor Graham Ellis said:

“I encourage all eligible older people to take up their RSV vaccination appointments to protect against a leading cause of serious respiratory disease and hospitalisation. 

 “Public Health Scotland research, published earlier this year, showed the vaccine has led to a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible 75-79 age group.

 “This programme is reducing the number of people who are seriously ill and helping to manage the significant pressures on our NHS.”

Read more about the positive impact of the RSV vaccination programme in reducing hospitalisations in Scotland: Launch of new RSV vaccine results in encouraging reduction in hospitalisations - News - Public Health Scotland

More information on the RSV vaccine for older adults is available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform

More information on the RSV vaccine during pregnancy is available on NHS Inform RSV vaccine during pregnancy | NHS inform