Covid-19 vaccination
Here you will find all the latest information you need about getting your COVID-19 vaccination Somerset.
Somerset COVID-19 Vaccination Programme 2026
COVID-19 vaccination – between campaigns
The current Winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign ended on 31 January 2026.
The Spring/Summer 2026 routine Covid programme starts on the 13 April 2026 and end and ends on 31 June 2026.
During this time:
- Online and 119 booking services are closed
- Walk-in COVID-19 vaccinations are not available
Most people will need to wait until the next campaign to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.
Additional vaccines for people with a severely weakened immune system
Some people may need extra protection from COVID-19 outside of the usual campaign dates.
This includes anyone aged 6 months and over who:
- has a condition that severely weakens the immune system, or
- starts treatment that severely weakens the immune system (for example chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, certain biologic medicines), or
- becomes newly immunosuppressed during this period.
What to do if this applies to you
If your immune system is severely weakened and you think you may need additional protection:
- Speak to your GP or hospital specialist as soon as possible.
- They will assess your situation and decide whether an additional COVID-19 vaccine is recommended for you.
- If needed, they will arrange a referral and advise you on the best timing of vaccination around your treatment.
You do not need to wait until the next campaign if you are newly immunosuppressed and your clinician advises vaccination.
PLEASE NOTE: PALS cannot book vaccinations — referrals must come from a GP or specialist.
Vaccination eligibility and FAQs
COVID-19 remains more serious for older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions.
Many people don’t realise they have underlying risks until they get seriously unwell - the booster adds an extra layer of protection which reduces your chance of becoming seriously ill or needing hospital care.
To help protect those most at risk, the NHS is offering a COVID-19 vaccine to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over
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.
Vaccinations for housebound residents who are eligible
The Spring/Summer 2026 routine Covid programme starts on the 13 April 2026 and end and ends on 31 June 2026.
If you are coded as a Housebound patient, who is over 75 or also recorded as immunosuppressed, you will be contacted by Somerset Foundation Trust (SFT) Vaccination Outreach team or your GP to book your housebound appointment.
Please note that as vaccination teams will be busy with the Care Home residents they may not call you at the start of the campaign, but they will contact you to arrange a date/time for your vaccination. Thank you for your patience.
If you do not know whether you are registered as housebound please contact your GP.
Those eligible for the Spring booster are:
- People aged 75 years and over
- Residents in older adult care homes
- Individuals aged 6 months and over with weakened immune systems
