The vaccine, which was previously only eligible for adults aged 75 to 79 years and women from 28 weeks of pregnancy, is now available to around 3m more people.

Michelle Kane, NHS director of vaccination and screening delivery, said: ‘RSV is not just a winter illness; it can occur all year round and can make older people seriously ill, so it is vital everyone eligible gets vaccinated.

‘The vaccine has been proven to drastically reduce the chance of those aged 75 and over from ending up in hospital with an RSV infection, so if you're seeing loved ones or family members who are eligible for a vaccine over the Easter break, please do remind them to come forward if invited.'

‘If you are newly eligible or are still yet to come forward, don't delay and book your free NHS vaccination in with your GP or speak to a member of staff in your care home. It could prevent you developing a severe illness like pneumonia and even save your life.'

RSV causes around 9,000 hospitalisations in those aged over 75 in the UK each year, but a single dose of the vaccine provides protection for several years.

The vaccine can be booked via a GP practice, by speaking to staff in care homes and some community pharmacies in parts of England are also offering the RSV vaccine.