Spring Boosters

A spring booster dose of the Covid vaccine will be offered to people at highest risk of severe illness:

  • everyone aged 75 and over (you need to have turned 75 on or before 30 June 2023)
  • residents in care homes for older adults
  • people aged 5 and over who have a weakened immune system

People who have a weakened immune system can include those who had or have:

  • a blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
  • an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • HIV infection at all stages
  • a genetic disorder affecting the immune system
  • a treatment such as steroid medicine, biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
  • certain medicines that increase your risk of infection, such as azathioprine, dexamethasone, prednisolone, ciclosporin or mycophenolate (depending on your dosage)
  • a long-term immunosuppressive treatment for conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma and psoriasis

This list is a summary and does not cover everything. There are other health conditions and treatments that may mean you have a weakened immune system. If you’re unsure, speak to a pharmacist, GP or your specialist for advice.

This follows new advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

How to get your spring booster

If you’re eligible, you can get a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine by:

You may also be contacted by a local NHS service, such as your GP surgery, to get a vaccine for you or your child. This is usually done by text or a phone call, but you may sometimes get a letter or a notification in the NHS App.

If you have not had all your vaccinations

If you have not yet had either of your first 2 doses of the vaccine (or a third dose for those with a weakened immune system) you should have them as soon as possible. First and second doses of the vaccine will end for many on 30 June 2023.

If you are eligible for the spring vaccination but think you have missed a previous booster you should still go ahead – you will not need another dose.