Question
Please can you provide information on the 2026 Covid boosters?
Answer
Summary from UKHSA information
The UK offers a spring 2026 COVID-19 booster vaccine to people at highest risk because protection from previous doses fades over time.
Eligibility
The vaccine is only offered to higher-risk groups, specifically:
- Adults aged 75 and over (including those turning 75 by 30 June 2026)
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system
Why it is offered
- Immunity from earlier vaccinations decreases over time
- Older adults and immunocompromised people are more likely to become seriously ill
- The booster helps “top up” protection against current COVID-19 variants
Key details
- It’s part of a targeted seasonal vaccination programme, not a universal rollout
- The NHS invites eligible people, but booking options are also available
Spring 2026 COVID vaccinations are focused on protecting the most vulnerable, not the general population, by boosting waning immunity ahead of ongoing virus circulation.
MEA Information
The eligibility is the same across the 4 nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).
Although there is evidence of immune system dysfunction in ME/CFS, this is not normally the sort of immune system dysfunction that classifies people with ME/CFS as being immunosuppressed for vaccination eligibility purposes. But doctors can still use their clinical judgement as to whether the vaccination may be necessary.
N.B. As the criteria is very strict, the likelihood of people with ME/CFS obtaining the vaccine through the NHS has significantly reduced and therefore, we have removed the Covid Booster template letter from the free literature section.
Private Covid Booster Vaccinations
If you have made the personal informed decision to have the Covid Booster, there are a number of outlets offering the vaccination at various costs.
For those who wish to pay privately, many pharmacies are advertising the availability of Covid Booster Vaccinations
Further Information
Related Categories
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
We recommend that the medical information is discussed with your doctor. It is not intended to be a substitute for personalised medical advice or treatment. You should consult your doctor whenever a new symptom arises, or an existing symptom worsens. It is important to obtain medical advice that considers other causes and possible treatments. Do not assume that new or worsened symptoms are solely because of ME/CFS or Long Covid.