By Ben Hurst
Copyright manchestereveningnews
New Covid jab regulations are causing havoc, with thousands booking appointments only to find out they no longer qualify. The NHS and UK Health Security Agency have cautioned individuals that even if they received the vaccination last year, they may not be permitted to have it for free this time around. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) has described the situation as “deeply frustrating” for both patients and pharmacists. The eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 jab on the NHS has been tightened this year. According to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), which represents over 10,000 chemists, including many major chains, between a third and a half of people who arrive for their appointment are being turned away at numerous sites. The situation has been labelled as “unacceptable”, with reports of irate, frustrated patients and abuse directed at staff. The problem has arisen because people have been able to book appointments online, despite not meeting the vaccine eligibility criteria, the NPA explained. This winter, the Covid-19 vaccine is available on the NHS for individuals over the age of 75; those with a weakened immune system or those residing in a care home for older adults. Previously, those aged between 65 and 74 were also eligible if they were in an at-risk group. Other groups can pay for the vaccine privately. In the past, the vaccine was available to a much larger demographic. This year, a broader group is eligible for the flu jab, including those aged 65 and over; individuals with certain long-term conditions; pregnant women; care home residents; specific carers, and those living with someone who has a weakened immune system. It appears that the option to book both vaccines simultaneously may have led to some confusion. Henry Gregg, Chief Executive of the NPA, stated: “We are aware of reports from across the country of patients who are not eligible on the NHS for this year’s Covid vaccine arriving at pharmacies, having been able to book an appointment via the online system. “This should have been avoidable and it is deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients. We urge any patient in this situation to treat pharmacy teams with respect as pharmacies try to manage the new NHS clinical criteria. “We’ve urgently raised this issue with NHS England and the Department of Health and have asked for it be resolved as soon as possible.” An NHS spokesperson commented: “Covid-19 vaccine eligibility changed for this autumn and winter following the JCVI recommendation that it should be offered to people aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes. “Please double check you are still eligible to receive a Covid-19 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.” Alastair Buxton, CPE director of NHS services, revealed that it became apparent within an hour of the NHS website booking system going live last week that there was an issue. He explained that many people seemed to be overlooking the eligibility information on the booking system and assuming they were still eligible. However, when they arrive for their vaccinations, pharmacies can only administer the flu jab. “That obviously takes a lot of explaining to patients. It causes upset, concern and maybe anger for some patients. “We’ve certainly had examples of some patients becoming abusive with pharmacy team members.” The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its advice for the autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme , which has been accepted by ministers. The focus of the programme is shifting towards targeted vaccination of those at highest risk of serious disease. For autumn 2025, COVID-19 vaccination will be offered to: This represents a change from the autumn 2024 programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged 6 months and over in a clinical risk group. The eligibility is the same across the 4 nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The vaccine should usually be offered no earlier than around 6 months after the last vaccine dose. If you are eligible, you can get protection from an autumn COVID-19 vaccination even if you have not taken up a COVID-19 vaccine offer in the past. For more information from the UKHSA on the jab click here .