Who is eligible for a COVID vaccination?

In autumn 2024, based on the latest scientific evidence, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended that the following groups are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations:

• adults aged 65 and over
• residents of care homes for older adults, and
• those aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined by the Green Book)

The Government has also decided that, as in previous years, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults being offered the COVID-19 jab.

The online national booking service can book appointments for eligible people aged 5 and over. For under 5s with a health condition that makes them eligible for a COVID vaccination, please contact their GP practice.

Who’s at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19

You may be more likely to get seriously ill from COVID-19 due to a health condition, treatment or medicine, 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 hypertension
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
• chronic digestive issues, such as severe gastro-oesophageal reflux
• some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
• a learning disability
• diabetes, Addison’s disease or hypopituitary syndrome
• problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
• severe mental health conditions, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• some genetic disorders, such as mitochondrial disease and chromosomal conditions
• a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine

This list is a summary and does not cover everything. Read a full definition in tables 3 and 4 in the COVID-19 chapter of the green book on GOV.UK.

COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available from most GP practices and more than 100 pharmacies across Hertfordshire and west Essex until 20 December 2024.