Millions to be offered Covid jabs next year - the 3 groups eligible for vaccine
Millions of people across the UK will be offered a free NHS Covid jab next year. The Department of Health and Social care has said three groups of people will be offered the vaccine as part of the spring 2026 vaccination programme.The government said on Monday (December 15) it has accepted advice on eligibility from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the next Covid-19 vaccination programme offered by the NHS. It follows the autumn 2025 programme, which has seen 63 per cent of all people aged 75 years and over getting the jab since October 1.Health officials say the vaccine should be offered to those in the population most vulnerable to severe illness from Covid, such as serious respiratory problems and other complications. The NHS warns Covid can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people.The infection can also cause long-term health problems for some people. Research suggests long Covid affects an estimated 1.8 per cent of the UK population, causing symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, joint pain and brain fog.The government says vaccination will therefore be offered to:Adults aged 75 and overResidents in care homes for older peopleIndividuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressedA Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: "We have accepted advice from the JCVI regarding eligibility for the spring 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme. Eligibility remains the same as last year."This is based on independent expert advice from the JCVI to protect those who remain at higher risk. Vaccination will be offered to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults and immunosuppressed individuals."Vaccines have been one of the greatest public health achievements in history, and COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide important protection for those who need it most."How to get the Covid vaccineThe last date you will be able to get your Covid vaccine in the winter vaccination programme is January 31, 2026, after online booking closes on January 30. The spring vaccine should then be offered between April and June.Those eligible for the Covid jab can book an appointment online or using the NHS App. Alternatively, you could find a walk-in vaccination site to get the jab without an appointment.Side effects of the Covid jabThe NHS says the most common side effects of the Covid vaccine are:A sore arm from the injectionFeeling tiredA headacheFeeling achyMild flu-like symptomsAccording to the NHS, symptoms are mild and typically get better within a week. It says rest and paracetamol can improve symptoms.More serious side effects, such as a severe allergic reaction are very rare, it adds. There have also been rare cases of inflammation of the heart reported after the Covid vaccination, but the NHS says most people who had this recovered following rest and simple treatments.
