The NHS COVID-19 autumn vaccination programme for 2026 is offering an additional dose to people at higher risk of serious illness from coronavirus. In England, the autumn campaign is focused on adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Appointments are available from 1 October 2026, and eligible people can check their options through the NHS booking service, NHS App, participating vaccination sites or their local healthcare provider. People living in older adult care homes may be offered vaccination through their care home.

The eligibility criteria are narrower than in some earlier COVID-19 vaccination campaigns. Being a healthcare worker, being pregnant or having a long-term condition does not automatically qualify someone for the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccine in England unless they meet the current eligibility requirements.

Official announcement: Government confirms eligibility for the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme.

1. Who is eligible for the free COVID-19 vaccine in autumn 2026?

In England, the government has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, known as JCVI, for the autumn 2026 campaign. The programme targets people who remain at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19.

The eligible groups are:

• Adults aged 75 years and over.
• People living in care homes for older adults.
• People aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed under the clinical definition used in the UK immunisation guidance.

The NHS programme does not automatically offer an autumn COVID-19 dose to every adult or every person who previously received a COVID-19 vaccination. Eligibility is determined by the current seasonal programme, not simply by whether someone has been vaccinated in the past.

The criteria for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ in their implementation. People living outside England should check the guidance issued by their own national health service.

Official source: A guide to the COVID-19 autumn vaccination.

2. Can people aged 75 and over get the autumn vaccine?

Yes. Adults aged 75 and over are eligible for the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccine in England. The eligibility guidance also includes people aged 74 who will have their 75th birthday before the campaign ends on 31 January 2027.

Older adults have a higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19. Seasonal vaccination is intended to strengthen protection against serious disease, including outcomes that may require hospital treatment.

If you meet the age criteria, you can check whether an appointment is available through the NHS online booking service or NHS App. You do not need to wait for an invitation before checking your booking options.

If you live in a care home for older adults, vaccination may be organised by the care home team or the local vaccination service rather than through a separate community appointment.

Official guidance: NHS COVID-19 vaccine eligibility and booking.

3. Can immunosuppressed people get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes. The autumn 2026 programme includes eligible people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed. This can include people whose immune systems are weakened by particular medical conditions or treatments.

Examples of circumstances that may meet the clinical definition include:

• Some cancers and treatments for cancer, including certain chemotherapy or biological therapies.
• Some organ or stem cell transplant recipients who meet the clinical criteria.
• Some people receiving immunosuppressive medicines or treatment.
• Some people with conditions that significantly weaken the immune system.
• Some people with severe immune deficiencies, depending on the diagnosis and clinical circumstances.

This is an illustrative list rather than a complete eligibility checklist. Not every cancer diagnosis, medicine or immune-related condition automatically qualifies. The official clinical definition includes specific conditions and treatment criteria.

If you believe you qualify, contact your GP surgery, hospital specialist or vaccination service. They can check your medical records and confirm whether the autumn dose is recommended for you.

Official clinical guidance: COVID-19 vaccination programme guidance for healthcare practitioners.

4. Are care home residents eligible?

Yes. Residents in care homes for older adults are included in the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme in England.

Care homes and local vaccination teams can coordinate appointments to make vaccination accessible to residents. Residents or their representatives should contact the care home team if they have not received information about the planned vaccination session.

People who live in other types of residential settings should not assume that their accommodation automatically qualifies them. The national eligibility category specifically refers to care homes for older adults, while other residents may qualify if they meet the immunosuppression criteria.

Official source: Autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination eligibility announcement.

5. When does the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination campaign start and end?

The autumn and winter COVID-19 vaccination campaign in England runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027. Eligible people can book an appointment for a date from 1 October, subject to local availability.

Appointment availability can vary by area and vaccination provider. If you are eligible, it is sensible to arrange vaccination early in the campaign rather than waiting until the closing date.

Official source: Book, change or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment.

6. How to book the free COVID-19 vaccine in England

Eligible people can use the NHS booking service to check eligibility and arrange a vaccination appointment. The service is available online, through the NHS App and by telephone for people who cannot book online.

1. Open the official NHS COVID-19 vaccination booking page.
2. Check whether you meet the autumn 2026 eligibility criteria.
3. Use the NHS App or online booking service to find an available appointment.
4. Select a suitable date and location from the options displayed.
5. Keep your booking details and follow any instructions provided by the vaccination service.
6. If online booking is not suitable, call NHS 119 for assistance.

You do not have to wait for a text message or letter before checking the booking service. However, you must meet the eligibility requirements for the autumn campaign.

7. Can you get vaccinated at a pharmacy or walk-in centre?

Eligible people may be able to receive their COVID-19 vaccine at a participating community pharmacy, GP surgery, local vaccination service or walk-in vaccination site. The available options depend on the area and the services operating locally.

The NHS booking service can help eligible people find an appointment. Some walk-in services may accept people without a booking, but opening times and eligibility checks can vary. Check the details before travelling.

Care home residents may receive vaccination at their care home. People who are immunosuppressed and under specialist care should contact their clinical team if they need help arranging an appointment.

Official guidance: NHS COVID-19 vaccination options.

8. Can you get a COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine together?

Some eligible people may be offered their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations during the same appointment, where both vaccines are appropriate and available. Receiving both vaccinations can reduce the need for separate visits.

Eligibility for the two vaccines is not identical. For example, the autumn 2026 COVID-19 campaign in England focuses on people aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents and eligible immunosuppressed people. The flu programme covers additional groups, including pregnant women, specified children and adults with certain long-term health conditions.

If you qualify for the flu vaccine but not the autumn COVID-19 vaccine, you may still be able to receive the flu vaccination through the NHS. Ask the provider about your eligibility for each vaccine separately.

Official sources: NHS COVID-19 vaccine information and NHS flu vaccine information.

9. What if you are not eligible for the autumn 2026 vaccine?

The autumn COVID-19 campaign is designed to focus on groups most likely to benefit from an additional seasonal dose. People outside the eligible groups will not normally be offered a free vaccine through this campaign in England.

If you have a medical condition or receive treatment that may weaken your immune system, do not rely on a general list alone. Ask your GP or specialist whether your circumstances meet the official definition of immunosuppression.

People who are not eligible for a seasonal NHS dose should follow current public health guidance and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms or have concerns about their personal risk. Vaccine availability outside the national programme can depend on current clinical recommendations and provider arrangements.

Eligibility may change in future campaigns as new evidence and expert advice become available. Check the latest NHS information before making plans based on older vaccination rules.

10. Is the autumn 2026 programme the same across the UK?

The autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme is organised by the health services in each UK nation. The eligibility criteria and booking routes may differ, so residents should use the official guidance for their location.

If you live in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, do not assume that the English booking process or campaign dates apply to you. Check the relevant national service for current appointments and eligibility details.

11. Frequently asked questions

Conclusion

The UK COVID-19 autumn vaccine programme for 2026 is aimed at people most at risk of severe illness. In England, the main eligible groups are adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults and immunosuppressed people aged 6 months and over.

Appointments begin on 1 October 2026 and the campaign is scheduled to finish on 31 January 2027. Eligible people can check and book through the NHS App or online booking service, or call 119 for assistance. Local vaccination services may also provide appointments.

Before booking, check the official guidance for your age and medical circumstances. If you live outside England, consult your national health service because eligibility and appointment arrangements may differ.