April 02, 2026 - 175 views
A vaccine designed to protect against a common winter virus is already making a big difference for older people in Wales, according to new research.
A study by Public Health Wales has found that the RSV vaccine reduces the risk of being admitted to hospital by around 75 per cent in people aged 75 to 79. The findings are based on data from the winter of 2024–25 and provide some of the first real-world evidence of how effective the vaccine is.
RSV—short for respiratory syncytial virus—is a common infection that many people will have experienced as a cold. But for older adults and babies, it can be much more serious, leading to conditions like pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Each year in Wales, it is responsible for hundreds of hospital admissions among over-75s, as well as thousands of GP visits.
Since the vaccine was first introduced in 2024 for people aged 75 to 79, more than 100,000 people in that age group have taken it up. The study shows that even in its early stages, the programme has had a noticeable impact, with RSV-related hospital admissions in that age group falling by more than 13 per cent.
Now, the protection is being extended further. From this spring, people aged 80 and over across Wales—including those in North Wales—will also be offered the vaccine as part of a catch-up programme running between April and June. Care home residents will also be included, helping to protect some of the most vulnerable people in the community.
Health experts say the benefits go beyond the individual. By reducing the number of serious RSV cases, the vaccine is also helping to ease pressure on local GP services and hospitals, including those serving communities across North Wales.
Dr Christopher Johnson, from Public Health Wales, said the early results are very encouraging and show the vaccine is providing strong protection. He added that expanding the programme gives an opportunity to prevent even more hospital stays and reduce the strain on the NHS.
Where possible, the RSV vaccine may also be offered at the same time as the spring COVID-19 jab, making it easier for people to get protected in one visit.
Health officials are now encouraging anyone who is eligible to take up the offer, saying vaccination remains one of the simplest and most effective ways to stay well and avoid serious illness.
