COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a virus. Most people who catch the virus will have mild symptoms and recover at home. However, some people - especially older adults and those who are immunosuppressed - are at risk of becoming seriously ill.
It is very important to get the COVID-19 vaccine if you're advised to.
The NHS will send invites, but please do check if you are eligable and book an appointment if you are.
Autumn/winter 2025
The following groups will be eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccination this autumn from 1 October 2025 - 31 January 2026:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 75 years and over
- people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the ‘immunosuppression’ section of tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the Green Book.
For those who meet this criteria it is recommended that you have two vaccinations a year - one every six months for the best protection.
You should be contacted by the NHS if you're eligible for an NHS COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter 2025 campaign.
This winter COVID-19 vaccination offer is free and runs from Wednesday 1 October 2025 to Saturday 31 January 2026.
You can now book a vaccine online using the national booking system (NBS). From Wednesday 1 October 2025 you can visit a walk-in service.
Walk-in vaccination sites will be available and listed here from 1 October.
Some sites listed run an appointment system, we advise that you contact the vaccination site in advance to confirm when the site is planning a COVID-19 vaccination clinic. You do not have to be registered with a GP to use our walk-in services and you do not need to bring any identification.
Please also note that not all sites offer vaccination to children. This is subject to site meeting the assurance requirements, so please contact the site in advance of visit if children vaccination is required.
Note: many site also offer a flu vaccination, so please check with the site.