By Ben Hurst

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New Covid jab rules are causing chaos with thousands booking appointments only to discover they are no longer eligible.The NHS and UK Health Security Agency has warned people that even if they got the vaccination last year they may no longer be allowed to have it for free. The National Pharmacy Association (NPA) said the situation has been “deeply frustrating” for both patients and pharmacists. The eligibility criteria for the Covid-19 jab on the NHS has been tightened this year. Between a third and a half of people who turn up for their appointment are having to be turned away at many sites, according to Community Pharmacy England (CPE), which represents more than 10,000 chemists including many major chains. It has described the situation as “unacceptable” with reports of angry, frustrated patients and abuse aimed at staff. The problem has arisen because people have been able to book in for appointments online, despite not being eligible for the vaccine, the NPA said. This winter the Covid-19 vaccine is available on the NHS for people over the age of 75; if they have a weakened immune system or if they live in a care home for older adults. Previously those between 65 and 74 were also eligible if in an at risk group. Other groups can pay for the vaccine privately. Previously the vaccine has been available for much larger groups of people. A wider group is eligible for the flu jab this year including those over the age of 65; people with certain long-term conditions; pregnant women; care home residents; certain carers and those who live with someone with a weakened immune system. It is understood that an option for people to book both vaccines at the same time may have caused confusion. Henry Gregg, chief executive of the NPA, said: “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 said: “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.” CPE director of NHS services Alastair Buxton said it had become clear within an hour of the NHS website booking system, external going live last week that there was a problem. He said lots of people appeared to be missing the information about eligibility on the booking system and making the assumption they were still eligible. But when they turn up for their vaccinations pharmacies are only able to give them 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 .