Who's Actually Eligible for a COVID Jab Right Now—and Why Are Pharmacies Saying No?

Thousands of people across the UK have been turned away from pharmacies after booking COVID-19 vaccination appointments, only to learn they're no longer eligible under the NHS's revised autumn booster criteria.

The confusion has triggered public frustration and placed community pharmacies under strain, exposing communication gaps between NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and the National Booking System (NBS).

A Shift in Eligibility Criteria

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) updated its guidance for the 2025 autumn booster programme, narrowing the scope of who qualifies for a free COVID-19 vaccine. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the jab is now offered only to:

• Adults aged 75 and over
• Residents in older adult care homes
• Individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed

This marks a significant change from previous years, when adults aged 65 and over, as well as those with a broader range of chronic conditions, were eligible. The revised criteria aim to target those at the highest risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, or death from COVID-19.

Booking System Breakdown

Despite the updated rules, many patients have still managed to book appointments via the NHS National Booking System (NBS), leading to widespread confusion.

Community Pharmacy England (CPE), which represents over 10,000 chemists, reported that between a third and a half of those booking appointments are not eligible and must be turned away upon arrival.

The issue appears to stem from the online system allowing users to book both flu and COVID jabs simultaneously, without clearly distinguishing eligibility for each.

Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the National Pharmacy Association (NPA), described the situation as 'deeply frustrating' and said it 'should have been avoidable.'

Pharmacies Under Pressure

Pharmacy teams are bearing the brunt of the confusion. Reports have emerged of patients becoming irate or even abusive when informed they do not qualify for the COVID jab.

Alastair Buxton, Director of NHS Services at CPE, told the BBC that the situation caused 'upset, concern and maybe anger for some patients' and that more transparent communication from NHS England was urgently needed.

Pharmacists say they are spending valuable time explaining the new criteria to patients, often while still administering flu vaccines. The overlap between the flu and COVID programmes, combined with inconsistent messaging, has created a perfect storm of misinformation and unmet expectations.

What You Can Do

The NHS has responded by updating its website to clarify eligibility and urging patients to check before booking.

A spokesperson said: 'Please double check you are still eligible to receive a Covid vaccine before booking—the NHS website sets out whether your age, health condition or medication means you are eligible, and your GP practice or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine.'

Those who do not meet the NHS criteria can still access the vaccine privately. Several high street pharmacies now offer paid COVID-19 vaccinations, with prices averaging around £100 per dose.

While this option ensures broader access, it raises concerns about equity and affordability, particularly for older individuals who narrowly miss the age threshold.

What the New COVID Rules Mean for Brits

The JCVI's decision to tighten eligibility reflects a broader shift in pandemic strategy, focusing on targeted protection rather than mass immunisation. Surveillance data from UKHSA shows that vaccines continue to offer strong protection against severe disease, but immunity wanes over time, especially among vulnerable groups.

As the winter season approaches, public health officials are urging eligible individuals to get vaccinated promptly. The final date to receive the COVID jab under the NHS programme is 31 January 2026, with online booking closing on 30 January.

In the meantime, pharmacy groups and patient advocates are calling for improved coordination between NHS systems and clearer public messaging. Until then, patients are advised to verify their eligibility before booking and to treat pharmacy staff with respect as they navigate this challenging rollout.