Manx Care is delivering seasonal COVID‑19 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programmes to help protect people on the Isle of Man who are most at risk of serious respiratory illness.
While both viruses often cause mild symptoms, they can lead to severe illness, hospitalisation and complications, particularly in older adults, people with weakened immune systems and very young babies. Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to reduce this risk.
Spring COVID-19 vaccine - who is eligible
This spring, a COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to:
- People aged 75 years and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
People who turn 75 between April and June do not need to wait until their birthday and can attend when invited.
Eligible individuals will be invited by Manx Care for vaccination between April and July. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are being used to boost protection against more recent variants.
RSV vaccine - who is eligible
The RSV vaccination programme on the Isle of Man includes:
- A routine RSV vaccine for people aged 75 and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- An RSV vaccine for pregnant women from 28 weeks of pregnancy, to help protect their babies after birth (a vaccine is recommended for each pregnancy)
Older adults usually only need one dose of the RSV vaccine to provide longer term protection. Vaccination during pregnancy helps protect babies during their first vulnerable months of life.
How the programmes work
Eligible people are being invited directly by Manx Care with details of how and when to attend.
Adults who are registered with the vaccination service will receive an invitation to book an appointment. Those already engaged with the COVID‑19 programme may be offered appointments for both vaccines at the same time.
Pregnant women will be advised by their midwives during routine appointments and can book a vaccination following this advice.
Delivering both programmes helps reduce serious illness and pressure on health services, particularly during periods of higher respiratory infection risk.
Further information about eligibility and vaccinations is available at the Vaccinations webpage.
