Changes to Covid vaccine eligibility
For 2025, there has been a significant change to eligibility criteria for the Covid vaccine. Building on advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), eligibility has been narrowed significantly compared to previous years – targeting those at highest risk of severe illness.
The below table explains the eligibility changes in more detail. The 2024 criteria, in red, no longer applies.
| Group | Autumn 2024 Criteria | Autumn 2025 Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Age | Adults 65 years and over | Adults 75 years and over |
| Medical Criteria for Patients under the Eligible Age | – Residents in older adult care homes – People aged 6 months+ in clinical risk groups, including: • Chronic respiratory disease (e.g. asthma, COPD) • Chronic heart disease • Chronic kidney or liver disease • Chronic neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson’s, MS, epilepsy) • Diabetes • Severe obesity (BMI ≥40) • People with a weakened immune system (e.g. due to treatment or condition) | – Residents in older adult care homes – Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months+ |
| Number of Eligible Patients at Fownhope Medical Centre | 2500 | 1100 |
We understand that these changes may be disappointing for some of our patients. However, Fownhope Medical Centre must follow the national criteria set by the JCVI and the NHS. Unfortunately, this means we are not able to vaccinate patients who are not eligible under the new rules.
For more information on the new criteria, please go to https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
If you believe you are eligible for the covid vaccine under the new criteria, but have not been invited, please email fownhope.medicalcentre@nhs.net and we can look into this for you.