Dorset, Health & Lifestyle | Posted on April 2nd, 2026 | return to news

Free vaccine to protect Dorset residents from virus now available

Elderly adults and pregnant women will be offered protection against RSV thanks to a vaccine.

The NHS is making a potentially life-saving vaccine available to more adults in the South West.

Since the start of April, the RSV vaccine has become available for free to adults aged 75 and over, adults living in care homes, and pregnant women.

The vaccine protects against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections. RSV is a common virus, and almost all children get an RSV infection before they turn two years old.

Most people will only get cold-like symptoms if they catch RSV, but it can make babies and older adults seriously ill and cause breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis (a chest infection that affects babies). The vaccine can help reduce the risk of serious illness.

The NHS is urging care home residents and their families to speak with their GP and care home provider to arrange vaccination. It is also advising pregnant women to speak with their midwifery team or GP practice about getting the RSV vaccine.

Dr Julie Frier, public health consultant for NHS England South West, said: “RSV can be a very severe illness and is the cause of thousands of hospital admissions for babies and older people each year.

“The RSV vaccine is now being offered to everyone living in a care home for older adults, all adults over 75, as well as pregnant women. A single dose can give protection.”

Dr Alasdair Wood, a consultant in health protection and vaccine prevention for UKHSA South West, said: “RSV lung infection is less well known than COVID or flu, but for older adults it can be particularly dangerous and puts thousands in hospital each year with a risk to life.

“New evidence from UK public health agencies shows the vaccine cuts your risk of being hospitalised by around 75 per cent – so it’s great news that the vaccine is now available to everyone aged 75 and over, including all those aged over 80. We also know that the RSV vaccine for pregnant women is providing excellent protection to newborn babies.”

A family from Somerset, whose previously active and independent mother became critically ill with RSV, is urging people over 75 to get protected. Sandra Aplin said her mother, Alice Hodges, 82, spent two weeks in hospital after what began as “just a cold” got dramatically worse in December 2024.

Sadly, the illness has left lasting damage to Alice’s heart. She now tires easily, has much less stamina than before, and needs a pacemaker.

Only a single dose of the RSV vaccine is needed to provide protection. Previously, only pregnant women and adults aged 75 to 79 could receive an RSV vaccination, but now the offer has been extended to all adults living in care homes for older adults and all adults over 75.