Covid-19 vaccination to be offered to high-risk groups in spring 2026

The government has confirmed that in spring 2026, Covid-19 vaccination will be offered in England to those at highest risk of serious illness.

The announcement comes following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

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Eligibility will remain the same as in spring 2025, with vaccines offered to:

• adults aged 75 and over;
• residents in care homes for older people; and
• individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.

The original advice from the JCVI was issued in November 2024, covering the vaccination programme for spring 2025, autumn 2025 and spring 2026.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health and Social Care said: ‘This is based on independent expert advice from the JCVI to protect those who remain at higher risk.’

They added: ‘Vaccines have been one of the greatest public health achievements in history, and Covid-19 vaccines continue to provide important protection for those who need it most.’

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The news comes as NHS England continues to urge those eligible to get their flu vaccination to help prevent them getting seriously ill.

Data shows more than 17.4 million have been vaccinated so far this year – over 170,000 more than this time last year. In addition, over 60,000 more frontline healthcare workers have had their flu vaccinations this year compared to a similar time last year.

NHS leaders have described an ‘unprecedented wave of super flu’ happening currently, with the NHS facing a ‘worst case scenario for this time of year – with staff being pushed to the limit to keep providing the best possible care for patients’.

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An average of 2,660 patients per day were in a hospital bed with flu last week – the highest ever for this time of year and up 55% up on last week, according to latest data from NHS England.

Concerned for the nursing workforce and patients, the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) has issued an urgent plea to the government to invest in both the profession and hospital beds – including by supporting community services and social care.