Winter vaccines and eligibility changes

Covid vaccine eligibility has changed from last winter. For more information, please click here to visit the NHS website, or ask your GP surgery or pharmacy.

As we spend more time indoors, winter is the perfect season for illnesses like flu, COVID-19 and RSV(Respiratory, Syncytial Virus) to spread easily from person to person. The cold, damp weather makes it harder to fight off infections as it puts extra strain on your body. Vaccination prevents you from becoming unwell. If you are eligible, you can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.

Covid-19 vaccine eligibility

Covid is still around. A booster lowers the risk of illness and tops up immunity.

Who can have the Covid-19 vaccine this year?

From 1 October 2025, eligible groups include:

• Adults 75+

• Older adult care home residents

• Anyone 6 months+ who is immunosuppressed

• Flu and COVID-19 vaccines may be offered together in one appointment.

Flu vaccine

Flu hits hardest in winter. The flu jab offers the best protection. It is important to get the flu vaccine each year as the vaccine is made each year to match the latest strains.

Who can have the flu vaccine this winter:

• Anyone aged 65+.

• Children aged 2 and 3 years (on 31 August 2025).

• Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6).

• Some secondary school pupils.

• Pregnant women.

• Anyone aged 6 months and over who has a long term health condition.

• People living with someone with a severely weakened immune system.

• Carers who receive Carers Allowance or are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person.

• People living in residential care homes.

Where to get it:

• GP surgeries.

• Community pharmacies.

• Some schools.

• Pop-up vaccination clinics.

For more information click here to visit the NHS website.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

RSV vaccine helps protect against serious breathing problems in babies, pregnant women, older adults and those with weakened immunity.

Who can have RSV vaccine:

• Anyone aged 75 to 79.

• Pregnant women from 28 weeks.

• People with conditions that make them vulnerable to chest infections.

Where to get it:

• GP surgeries

• Maternity services(for pregnancy vaccination)

• Hospital clinics

For more information click here to visit the NHS website.

Have anything to say about vaccination?

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