For some, particularly older people and those with a weakened immune system, COVID-19 can still cause very serious illness.
Protection against COVID-19 (either from catching the virus or from a previous vaccination) can fade over time , so if you are at higher risk of becoming very unwell from COVID, it is important that you top up your protection.
A spring programme of COVID-19 vaccinations will begin on 1 April 2025 and will run until 17 June 2025 for the following eligible groups:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents living in a care home for older adults
- individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in the immunosuppressed sections of tables 3 and 4 from the COVID-19: green book, chapter 14a (pages 24 -26).
This includes: people undergoing some chemotherapy and radiotherapy; transplant recipients, people with HIV; people with genetic conditions or who take medicines that supress their immune system long-term; people who have experienced blood cancers, plus some other specific groups. Please check the ‘green book’ for a full list.
Those turning 75 before 17 June do not have to wait until their birthday has passed to have their spring vaccination. They can have one at any point from 1 April 2025.
Where can eligible people have their vaccination?
COVID-19 vaccinations will be available from most GP practices and a large number of pharmacies – more than 150 across Hertfordshire and west Essex.
GP practices that are offering the vaccination will contact their patients and invite them to a vaccination clinic. Eligible people can also choose to book an appointment at a location convenient to them using the national booking website, or by calling 119. Booking through this route is expected to be available from Tuesday 25 March 2025.
As the programme progresses, you may get a reminder by text or by letter if you are eligible and haven’t yet come forward for your vaccination.
Find a pharmacy near you offering COVID-19 vaccinations