The NHS is reminding people about changes to COVID vaccination eligibility this winter.
Some people will no longer be eligible for a COVID vaccination this year following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). The focus of the programme is shifting towards targeted vaccination of those at highest risk of serious disease.
This represents a change from the autumn 2024 programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group.
Flu and COVID vaccinations will be available to:
The following people are eligible for the flu vaccination:
- People aged 65 – 74: book via the National Booking System
- At risk people aged 6 months to 65 years: book via the National Booking System
- Pregnant women: via their GP surgery, through their ante-natal appointment at hospital, or at participating pharmacies.
- Healthy school age children (reception to year 11): nasal spray administered at school
- Children aged 2 or 3 years (on 31 August 2025): nasal spray at GP surgery or community pharmacy
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Household contacts of immunosuppressed people: book via the National Booking System
- Carers (those who are eligible for a carer’s allowance, or those who are the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill): book via the National Booking System
And RSV vaccinations will be available to:
- Women who are 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect their baby for the first few months after they’re born
- People aged 75 to 79
- People who turned 80 after 1 September 2024
Bookings are now open on the National Booking System or by phoning 119. You will be able to choose a vaccination location that suits you.
