The RSV vaccination programme forms part of the NHS vaccination schedule and is delivered through general practice as an essential service. National guidance has evolved since the programme was introduced in 2024, with changes to eligible cohorts and programme arrangements.
This page brings together key information, practical guidance and links to national resources. It also highlights issues that commonly generate queries from practices, including eligibility, payment arrangements, pregnancy vaccination pathways and provider responsibilities.
Contractual Status
RSV vaccination forms part of General Practice essential services. Practices are required to offer vaccination to eligible patients in accordance with current NHS England contractual guidance.
Timing of Programme
The RSV vaccination programme is now an ongoing year-round programme.
Eligible groups currently include:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents of older adult care homes
- adults aged 65-74 years with chronic respiratory disease or immunosuppression who meet the current national eligibility criteria
- pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation
Practices should refer to current UKHSA and NHS England guidance for the latest eligibility criteria.
Co-administration
RSV vaccine can be co-administered with COVID-19 vaccine. More specific advice applies to co-administration with influenza and other vaccines, including different considerations for older adults and pregnant women. Practices should follow the current Green Book and UKHSA healthcare professional guidance.
Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are eligible for RSV vaccination from 28 weeks of pregnancy until birth. Routine delivery of the maternal programme should be organised through commissioned maternity services.
GP practices are not required to operate a separate routine call and recall programme for pregnant women. Practices are, however, required to offer vaccination opportunistically or on request to eligible registered patients. Where a practice is aware of a pregnancy and no vaccination is recorded, NHS England advises that it is good clinical practice to establish whether vaccination has already taken place and offer it where appropriate.
Routine delivery of the maternal programme should be organised through commissioned secondary care based maternity services.
Item of Service
The Item of Service payment for the RSV vaccination programme remains £10.06 per eligible vaccination.
Payments are made in accordance with the current Statement of Financial Entitlements and NHS England contractual guidance.