NHS Covid-19 Vaccine Eligibility for Spring 2026

COVID‑19 Vaccinations

We are currently sending invitations to eligible patients by text message and email to book a COVID‑19 vaccination.

If you would prefer to book by phone, please call 01726 626801, available Monday to Friday, 9am–4pm, and our team will be happy to help.

 

For Spring 2026, NHS COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to:

adults aged 75 years and over residents in care homes for older adults individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over 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.

The vaccine should usually be offered no earlier than around 6 months after the last vaccine dose. If you are eligible, you can get protection from an Spring COVID-19 vaccination even if you have not taken up a COVID-19 vaccine offer in the past.

Eligibility for the immunosuppressed We understand that having a weakened immune system (immunosuppression) is a lot less straight forward than the other criteria. Looking online can cause even more confusion, as people might see themselves (and be considered by others) as immunosuppressed but might not fit the immunosuppression criteria for vaccination.

So, what are the immunosuppression criteria? Eligibility is outlined in Chapter 14a of the Green Book, a document published by UKHSA specifically for public health professionals. It can be a complicated document for non-experts, so we’ve listed some of the groups here:

Organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients

Those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month Those living with HIV

Those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy

Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy Those requiring long-term treatment for immunosuppression

Those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia

Those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system

While this list summarises some major groups, it does not cover everything. Please check online at nhs.uk/get-vaccine to see if you are eligible.

 

What the RSV vaccine is for

The RSV vaccine helps protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections.

RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds. Most people get it several times during their life.

It usually gets better by itself, but in some people (especially babies and older adults) it can cause illnesses, such as:

These illnesses can cause serious breathing problems. They may need to be treated in hospital and can be life-threatening.

Getting an RSV infection can also make your symptoms worse if you have a lung condition, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

The RSV vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious breathing problems like pneumonia and bronchiolitis.

Who should have the RSV vaccine

You can get a free RSV vaccination on the NHS if:

  • you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy to help protect your baby after they're born
  • you're aged 75 or over
  • you live in a care home for older adults

How to get the RSV vaccine

There are different ways to get the RSV vaccine.

If you're pregnant

You should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.

Getting vaccinated as soon as possible from 28 weeks will provide the best protection for your baby. But the vaccine can be given later if needed, including up until you go into labour.

Speak to your maternity service or GP surgery if you're 28 weeks pregnant or more and have not been offered the vaccine.

If you're aged 75 or over

Contact your GP surgery to book your RSV vaccination.

Your GP surgery may contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.

You do not need to wait to be contacted before booking your vaccination.

If you live in a care home for older adults

Speak to a member of staff at your care home or your GP surgery about how to get the RSV vaccine.

Your GP surgery may contact you about getting the RSV vaccine. This may be by letter, text, phone call or email.

How the RSV vaccine is given

The RSV vaccine is given as an injection into your upper arm.

Unlike some vaccines (such as flu or COVID-19 vaccines), the RSV vaccine is given all year round.

If you're pregnant, you should have the vaccine during every pregnancy. This will help make sure each baby is protected for the first 6 months after they're born, when they're most likely to get seriously ill if they get RSV.

Older adults only need 1 dose, which should protect them for several years.

More information can be found here. 

 

RSV vaccine - NHS

We will be contacting those eligible soon.