Who is eligible for covid shot 2025: This year, there has been a “significant change” in who can get the COVID vaccine, according to Community Pharmacy England (CPE). The updated eligibility rules have caused confusion among the public and, in some cases, led to abusive behaviour towards pharmacy staff. Pharmacy teams report that up to half of the patients booked through the NHS National Booking Service (NBS) aren’t eligible, while some ineligible individuals have been sent by their GPs. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) describes the situation as “deeply frustrating” for both patients and pharmacists.Who Is Eligible for the COVID Vaccine In the UK This Winter?This winter, the NHS is offering the COVID vaccine to:People aged 75 and overAnyone aged six months to 74 with a weakened immune systemResidents of care homes for older adultsThis is a change from last year’s criteria, which included adults aged 65 and over. The new rules are consistent across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.Getting vaccinated this autumn helps protect against serious illness from COVID over the winter months.How to Book the Vaccine?Eligible individuals are encouraged to book via the NHS online booking service or the NHS app. People aged five and over who are eligible can also walk into a vaccination site without an appointment. Those who don’t meet the criteria can still get the vaccine privately.Flu Jab EligibilityMore people qualify for the flu jab, including:Those over 65People with long-term health conditionsPregnant womenAll primary school childrenSecondary school children in years 7–11Frontline healthcare workersCare home residentsCertain carers or people living with someone with a weakened immune systemWhy Are Some Booking Errors Happening?Confusion has arisen because the online system allows patients to book COVID and flu vaccines at the same time. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the NPA, said:“This situation should have been avoidable and is very frustrating for both pharmacies and patients. We ask that patients treat pharmacy staff with respect as they navigate the new NHS rules. We’ve raised the issue with NHS England and the Department of Health and hope for a quick resolution.”What Is the Autumn Booster?By autumn, protection from earlier COVID vaccines can start to wane. For those at higher risk of severe illness, the NHS provides a free autumn booster.The current vaccines continue to provide strong protection against hospitalisation and serious disease. Data from UKHSA shows that people who received a booster last autumn were around 43% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID-19, starting two weeks after vaccination, compared to those who remained unvaccinated.
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