Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination

Everyone aged 5 (on or before 31 August 2022) and over can get a 1st and 2nd dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Children who turned 5 on or after 1 September 2022 can only get a 1st and 2nd dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they’re either:

• at increased risk due to a health condition or because of a weakened immune system
• living with someone who has a weakened immune system

The current offer of at least two COVID-19 vaccinations for everyone aged 5 or above on 31 August last year will end at the same time as spring vaccinations, on 30 June 2023.

After 30 June, not everyone will be able to get the COVID-19 vaccine from the NHS.

The NHS should contact you if you're eligible for a seasonal booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine this spring.

Those eligible include:

• adults aged 75 and over (on or before 30 June 2023)
• residents in a care home for older adults
• people aged 5 and over who have a weakened immune system.

You don’t need to wait to receive your invitation. If you’re eligible, you can book now (more details below).

People who have a weakened immune system can include those who had or have: 

• a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
• an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
• HIV infection at all stages
• a genetic disorder affecting the immune system
• a treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on your dosage)
• a long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis.

This list is a summary and does not cover everything. There are other health conditions and treatments that may mean a patient has a weakened immune system.

If you're at increased risk from COVID-19 due to a medical condition but you do not have a weakened immune system, you're not able to get a further COVID-19 vaccination this spring.

You should still have some protection against severe COVID-19 from previous doses. The NHS will let you know if you are eligible for a seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in future.

If you're under 75 years, please bring either:

• an NHS letter inviting you for a seasonal booster dose
• an NHS letter which describes your condition or treatment
• a prescription or a medicine box with your name and a recent date to show you have a weakened immune system.

If you think you're eligible for a booster dose but you do not have a suitable letter, prescription, or medicine box, it may still be possible to get vaccinated. When you arrive for your appointment, you will need to discuss your eligibility with a healthcare professional. They will check to make sure you're eligible.