As part of our Vaccine Engagement Day initiative, we will be posting a series of blogs exploring the impact vaccines have had in a number of areas. In our third post of the series, we are exploring the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine.
RSV is a common cause of seasonal colds, with symptoms including a runny nose, sneezing, a cough, tiredness, and a high temperature. In severe cases, RSV can lead to acute lower respiratory tract infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
Typically, RSV spreads from October to March in the UK and it poses the greatest risk to infants, older adults (over 75 years of age) and individuals who are immune-vulnerable. With an estimated 3.6 million cases occurring annually in the UK prior to vaccination rollout, RSV represents a widespread public health challenge. Whilst many people infected with the virus experience mild symptoms and do not need to seek care, the economic burden of RSV is still significant with a direct annual cost of £140 million to the NHS (2023 price terms). RSV is estimated to account for 30,000 hospital admissions every year in the UK in children under five years old, and 9,000 admissions per year for those aged over 75.
RSV was first identified in 1956 in chimpanzees and was soon identified as a cause of respiratory disease in children. Despite many people not realising the potential severity of RSV and likening symptoms with the common cold, contracting the virus can be life-threatening for vulnerable groups – in the UK, approximately 20–30 infants (defined as under the age of one) die every year due to RSV.
RSV infections in infants can cause severe symptoms, such as breathing difficulties, wheezing, and fever. Babies born prematurely or with heart, lung or immune-related conditions are at particular risk of experiencing more severe illness from an RSV infection. These symptoms can place immense emotional strain on parents – watching their baby struggle to breath can induce high levels of stress and anxiety, particularly if they are new parents. An NHS Trust based in Yorkshire has posted some helpful advice for parents to know the signs and symptoms of RSV, including how to prevent the spread of RSV and how to care for your child with RSV at home.
The RSV vaccine
An RSV vaccine was recently added to the UK vaccine programme and is administered as a single-dose to eligible groups. It is a protein vaccine, meaning it contains small proteins found on the surface of the virus particle, which activate the immune system to produce a protective immune response that builds immune memory, so the body can fight off RSV infection in the future. You can check out our vaccine resources if you’d like more information on how vaccines work.
Clinical trials on over 17,000 adults aged 60 years or older have shown that this RSV vaccine significantly reduces RSV-associated illness in older adults and it provides good protection for at least two seasons following a single dose.
In the UK, two RSV vaccination programmes were introduced in September 2024 following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI):
- Programme for older adults aged 75–79 years old
- Programme for pregnant women (who are at least 28 weeks pregnant) to protect infants
The RSV vaccine as a success
Despite the UK RSV vaccination programmes being introduced recently, the data is already showing a positive impact. By March 2025, over 1.5 million people had received the vaccine across the UK, translating to a 40% uptake over the 2024/2025 winter season. It’s crucial that ongoing efforts focus on increasing uptake rates in the coming years, to ensure even broader protection for vulnerable populations.
But have the RSV vaccination programmes made an impact and improved public health? A study from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) published in March 2025 showed a 30% reduction in hospital admissions in England in 75–79-year-olds eligible for the vaccine under the new programme, compared with what would have been expected without vaccination. Further data on the maternal RSV vaccine programme and reduction in hospital admissions amongst infants will also be published in due course.
A separate study from Public Health Scotland published in February 2025 demonstrated a 62% reduction in RSV-related hospitalisations among the eligible older groups (people aged 75–79 years) in Scotland. Data from these two studies strongly indicates that fewer vulnerable people are experiencing severe RSV disease that requires hospitalisation (for example pneumonia and bronchiolitis) and that the vaccine will likely save many lives in the coming years.
Dr Doug Brown, Chief Executive of the British Society for Immunology, commented:
“The impact of the RSV vaccine extends beyond individual protection; it represents a critical step forward in relieving the strain on our healthcare services and improving public health outcomes. I am eager to witness the transformative effects the RSV vaccine will have on safeguarding the health of our most at-risk populations in the years to come.”
The success of the UK RSV vaccination programmes marks an extraordinary milestone in public health. From early setbacks in RSV vaccine development during the 1960s, when disappointing results delayed progress, to groundbreaking discoveries like identifying vaccine components, each step has brought us closer to today’s advancements in protecting us against RSV. The introduction of nationwide vaccination programmes represents decades of scientific perseverance.
The RSV vaccine is more than just a medical breakthrough – it is a lifeline for vulnerable populations and a powerful way to alleviate pressure on our healthcare system. Hospital admissions data are already showing significant reductions, with further reductions anticipated as vaccine uptake increases. By preventing thousands of hospital admissions and reducing severe illnesses, this vaccine is saving precious lives while freeing up vital NHS resources to focus on other critical care needs.
As we celebrate this remarkable progress, we also recognise how far we’ve come thanks to collaboration between scientists, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. Together, we look forward to a future where vaccines continue to protect those most at risk, ensuring healthier lives and stronger healthcare systems for generations to come.
For more information on how vaccines and booster vaccines work, check out our videos on our website or on YouTube.
By Madeline Crouch
Marketing and Communications Officer
Enjoyed this blog? Read our other blogs in the series:
Celebrate Vaccines: How the HPV vaccine has transformed cervical cancer prevention