COVID-19 autumn booster update

Since 1 July 2023 the UK changed its COVID-19 vaccination programme to mainly a seasonal booster campaign. Vaccinations are still the best way to offer protection from COVID-19 but this protection fades over time, which is boosted with the seasonal vaccinations.

You will be able to get a COVID-19 vaccination in the autumn if you are at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. Invitations for the booster will begin to be sent out from 4 September in Scotland and 11 September in England. Specific groups eligible are:

• Residents in a care home for older adults
• All adults aged 65 years and over
• Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group
• Frontline health and social care workers
• People aged 12 to 64 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression
• Persons aged 16 to 64 years who ae carers and staff working in care homes for older adults.

If you are eligible, the NHS will be in touch with you and then you will be able to either book a vaccination online, get it at your GP surgery or care home, or attend a walk-in vaccination site. If you are not invited for one but believe that you are eligible then speak to your specialist team or GP.

If you are newly diagnosed with lymphoma, or you start treatment that weakens your immune system you may become eligible for a vaccination. Speak to you specialist team for more information.

Our website includes more information about the COVID-19 boosters including information about the vaccines available.