Covid vaccines: Patients warned to check eligibility as people 'turned away' due to criteria changes
People who usually get the Coronavirus vaccine have been urged to check if they are still eligible for the jab as criteria changes have seen a number of patients turned away.
Patients who are no longer eligible for the Covid vaccine have still been able to book appointments — a situation pharmacists have called “deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients.”
Eligibility criteria for the Covid jab have recently changed, leaving many who previously qualified now unable to receive it. The issue arises as new data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows Covid cases have been rising steadily for several weeks. Hospitalisations have also surged by 60% since the emergence of the XFG variant in May.
Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: "We are aware of reports from across the country of patients who are not eligible on the NHS for this year's Covid vaccine arriving at pharmacies, having been able to book an appointment via the online system.
"This should have been avoidable, and it is deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients. We urge any patient in this situation to treat pharmacy teams with respect as pharmacies try and manage the new NHS clinical criteria.
"We've urgently raised this issue with NHS England and the Department of Health and have asked for it to be resolved as soon as possible."
Who is eligible for the Covid vaccine?
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the criteria for who is eligible for Covid vaccinations changed.
To be eligible for the Covid vaccine, you must be an adult aged 75 and over, an older adult care home resident, or an immunosuppressed person.
This is different from the autumn 2024 vaccine programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged six months and over in a clinical risk group.
To qualify as immunosuppressed, eligibility is outlined in Chapter 14a of the Green Book. Some of the groups eligible include:
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
This means that people under the age of 75 who do not meet the immunosuppressed criteria are no longer eligible for the Covid vaccine, even if they have health conditions such as diabetes or asthma and were able to get the vaccine previously.
Speaking on October 1, Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “From today, everyone at higher risk of flu and Covid can take up the offer of a vaccine to give them vital protection going into winter.
“If you’re eligible, it is because you are at greater risk of getting seriously ill and ending up in hospital. Book online on the NHS app or National Booking System, or speak to your GP or practice nurse, or alternatively, your local pharmacist.”
The last date for the Covid vaccine is January 31, 2026. Online booking will close on January 30, 2026.
