COVID-19 Coronavirus, Flu, H5N1 Avian Flu, Measles, Vaccination and other virus UK and World News Update 17th October 2025
The UK Government and NHS have caused a nightmare for Pharmacists by massively reducing the number of people who are eligible for an NHS COVID jab, and then allowing ineligible people to book an appointment anyway. The National Pharmacy Association were quoted last week as saying their members were reporting around 1/3 to 1/2 of all COVID jab bookings were people who they aren't authorised to vaccinate.
NHS England say they've fixed the online booking system now, but literally millions of people who had Winter COVID and flu boosters last year are only eligible for flu this time, and eligibility for flu jabs has been widened, which has only made the problem worse. For reference...
NHS flu jabs for Autumn/Winter 2025 are offered if you:
- are aged 65 or over by 31 March 2026
- have certain long-term health conditions (list online)
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
(Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.)
NHS COVID boosters for Autumn/Winter 2025 are offered if you:
- are aged 75 or over by 31 January 2026
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment (list online)
- live in a care home for older adults
It's no wonder there's confusion. Millions of people have previously been eligible due to age, and now aren't, despite not getting any younger. Please don't take it out on the Pharmacist, it wasn't their decision. Private jabs cost around £100 each.