Is my older parent eligible for a Covid jab this year?
I am one of probably numerous ‘older’ people who were invited to receive a Covid vaccination at the same time as their flu jab, only to be told on arrival at their appointment that I didn’t actually qualify for the Covid part.
There’s clearly been some confusion around eligibility, including on the NHS web site. This is likely to be linked to the changes in criteria from last year, which have meant that many people who were eligible for a booster now aren’t.
According to UK government guidance for Covid-19 vaccinations in autumn 2025, those who qualify are:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and older with immunosuppression (underlying condition or treatment that weakens the immune system)
Essentially, the programme is tightly focused on those at highest risk of severe Covid, rather than a universal or wide adult booster.
If you’re unsure whether your older relative qualifies, here’s a checklist that may help.
Step 1: Check Age and Living Situation
- Aged 75 or older (born before 31 March 1951)
✅ Eligible - Lives in a care home for older adults
✅ Eligible (vaccines will usually be delivered on site) - Aged under 75 but living with serious long-term illness or disability
➡️ Go to Step 2
Step 2: Check for Health Conditions
- Has a weakened immune system (for example: due to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, transplant medication, high-dose steroids, HIV, or certain immune disorders)
✅ Eligible - Is on immunosuppressive medication prescribed by a hospital specialist
- ✅ Eligible
- Lives with someone who is severely immunosuppressed
❌ Not automatically eligible this year (may vary in devolved nations — check local NHS website)
Step 3: Check the Location
England: Programme runs 1 Oct 2025 – 31 Jan 2026
Scotland, Wales, N. Ireland: Similar dates, check your national NHS site for confirmation.
You can book via:
- The NHS App or online booking system (when available)
- Local pharmacy or GP offering COVID vaccinations
- Care home visits (arranged automatically)
Step 4: Check if it Can Be Given with the Flu Jab
- Has your parent been invited for a flu jab too?
Many clinics can give flu and Covid together in one appointment (different arms).
Step 5: Common Confusions
| Confusion | Clarification |
| “Over 65s can all get it” | ❌ Not this year – only 75+ or immunosuppressed |
| “Care staff always qualify” | ❌ Not automatically for Autumn 2025 |
| “My GP hasn’t contacted us, so we must not be eligible” | 🚫 Not necessarily – local invites can be delayed |
| “Mum had one last year, so she’ll be called again” | 💬 Rules change each season – check each year |
| “The NHS said flu and COVID are together, so we’ll get both” | ✅ Only if both are eligible – not everyone will be |
Update
Now even more concerned. Have received a message apologises for the erroneous offer of a shingles vaccination. (I’m in the lost category that’s both too young and too old to receive it yet.) Strange thing is, I haven’t received that offer.
This article has been created with the help of ChatGTP for informational guidance only.
If you have concerns about your health or need further information, please consult your health professional.
Photo by CDC on Unsplash