Changes to NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility

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We understand that there has been some surprise and confusion among patients regarding eligibility for the NHS COVID-19 vaccination this autumn. We want to explain the changes and clarify why our practice must follow the national guidance.

The Focus is on Protecting the Most Vulnerable

As the population’s immunity has increased, the national COVID-19 vaccination programme is now being highly targeted to protect those at the highest risk of severe illness and hospitalisation ahead of winter.

For the Autumn/Winter 2025 programme, the following groups are eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine:

  • Adults aged 75 and over (including those who will be aged 75 by 31 January 2026).
  • Residents in a care home for older adults.
  • Individuals aged 6 months and over with a severely weakened immune system (immunosuppressed).
  • Examples of Conditions that Weaken the Immune System:
  • Blood Cancers: Such as leukaemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
  • Organ or Stem Cell Transplants: Recipients of solid organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplants.
  • HIV Infection: Individuals with HIV infection at any stage.
  • Genetic Disorders: Genetic disorders that affect the immune system (e.g., severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)).
  • Autoimmune Diseases: Individuals requiring long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions like:

If you were eligible in previous campaigns but are not in the groups listed above, you are unfortunately no longer eligible for a free NHS vaccine this season.

Who Decides the Eligibility Criteria?

The criteria for the NHS vaccination programme are not set by our practice. They are determined at a national level by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which is an independent expert advisory committee.

The JCVI reviews the latest scientific evidence on the virus, vaccine effectiveness, and infection rates to recommend which groups need vaccination to achieve the best public health outcomes. The NHS, including our practice, is then instructed to implement the programme based on these recommendations.

Why We Must Abide by the Eligibility Criteria

Our practice delivers the NHS COVID-19 vaccination service under a specific contract. This contract strictly outlines which patients we are permitted to vaccinate.

Breaching this contract by vaccinating ineligible patients has serious ramifications for the practice and the continuation of our services, including:

  • Financial Sanctions: The NHS can withhold or deduct payments for services we provide.
  • Breach of Contract Notices: We can be issued formal remedial or breach notices.
  • Potential Contract Termination: In serious or repeated cases, there is a risk of the termination of our contract for providing the vaccination service, or even our main contract.

We are committed to providing the highest quality care to all our registered patients, and to do this, we must maintain our contractual obligations and ensure the smooth running of our services. This is why we have a legal and contractual duty to adhere to the current eligibility rules.

Seeking a Private COVID-19 Vaccination

We understand that those who are no longer eligible for a free NHS vaccine may still wish to receive protection.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available to purchase privately for individuals not covered by the NHS programme. This is a separate, non-NHS service.

You can typically find private vaccination services at:

  • High-street pharmacies (such as Boots and independent chemists).
  • Private clinics.

Prices and vaccine availability may vary between providers. We recommend contacting a local provider or checking online booking systems to arrange a private appointment.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we work to protect our most vulnerable patients this winter.