Changes in Eligibility for Covid and Flu Vaccine-2025

Posted on:

Covid and Flu Vaccinations 2025

COVID can still be dangerous and life threatening, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system.

Thankfully, for those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID, the NHS offers a free vaccine for their protection.

The criteria for eligibility below:

  • adults aged 75 years and over (on 31/1/26)
  • residents in care homes for older adults
  • individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over (note we only give Covid to over 18s)

**For information please see the following website-https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2025/06/26/whos-eligible-for-the-2025-covid-19-vaccine-or-autumn-booster/

Flu Vaccine 2025

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

  • are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
  • have certain long-term health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • live in a care home
  • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
  • live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Health conditions that mean you’re eligible for the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including:

  • conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
  • heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
  • some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
  • diabetes or Addison’s disease
  • a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
  • problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
  • a learning disability
  • being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.

Please see the following website for more information-https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/