Covid-19 vaccination

COVID-19 remains more serious for older adults and those with certain underlying health conditions. This autumn and winter, many respiratory infections, including COVID-19 and flu, are expected to continue circulating, which may place increased pressure on hospitals and healthcare services.

To help protect those most at risk, the NHS is offering a COVID-19 vaccine from September 2025 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.

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.

Further information

Timing of your vaccination

You should be offered an appointment between September and December, with those at the highest risk being prioritised. You should receive your vaccine at least 3 months after your last dose.

Who should not have the vaccine?

There are very few people who should not have this vaccine. If you have had a severe reaction to a previous COVID-19 vaccine, consult your doctor before getting vaccinated.

Side Effects

Most side effects are mild and short-lived. Common side effects include:

• Soreness, heaviness, or tenderness in the vaccinated arm (typically worst 1-2 days after vaccination)
• Tiredness
• Headache
• General aches or mild flu-like symptoms

These symptoms usually resolve within a few days. Rest and paracetamol (following dosage instructions) can help relieve discomfort.

Rare Side Effects

In rare cases, inflammation of the heart (myocarditis or pericarditis) has been reported, particularly in younger men, within days of receiving the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.

Symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• A fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience these symptoms.

Can you still catch COVID-19 after vaccination?

The vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe illness but does not guarantee complete immunity. Some vaccinated individuals may still catch COVID-19; however, the illness should be less severe.

Report Side Effects

You can report suspected side effects via the Yellow Card scheme:

• Online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard
• By calling 0800 731 6789 (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm)
• By downloading the Yellow Card app