Who’s eligible for the 2026 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Autumn Booster’?
When autumn comes, protection from any earlier COVID-19 vaccination you may have had will be starting to wane. For those who are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19, the NHS offers a free vaccine in the autumn, previously known as the 'Autumn Booster'.
As autumn approaches, the protection from previous COVID-19 vaccinations begins to weaken. The NHS provides a free vaccination during this period, previously referred to as the Autumn Booster. Current vaccines prove effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation. UKHSA data from last autumn's program indicates a vaccine effectiveness of 47% over the subsequent three months. Despite this, vaccination continues to help protect against severe illness, hospitalisations, and deaths caused by COVID-19.
NHS England reports that between October 2025 and January 2026, approximately 16,000 people were admitted to hospitals due to the virus. Eligible groups for the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination include adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and above. The eligibility criteria are consistent across the four nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland).
The same vaccine can be administered no earlier than around six months after the last dose, even if the individual has not taken up past COVID-19 vaccine offers. For those who are immunosuppressed, the eligibility criteria can be complex. According to the COVID-19 Green Book, published by UKHSA for public health professionals, eligibility encompasses organ, bone marrow, or stem cell transplant patients; those treated with systemic steroids for over a month; individuals living with HIV; those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, such as children about to receive therapy; those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy; those requiring long-term treatment for immunosuppression; and those with a history of haematological malignancy, including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia. Individuals with genetic disorders affecting the immune system are also included.
While this list summarizes major groups, it does not cover all cases. Anyone unsure about their eligibility should consult their healthcare professional. Booking for the autumn COVID-19 vaccination is now open, with the option to choose a date and time from 1 October on the NHS website. Receiving the vaccination this autumn helps protect against serious COVID-19 illness throughout the winter period.
Written by urgent.news from UK Health Security Agency's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
