Important: COVID vaccination eligibility

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We’ve had a few queries from patients about the new criteria for COVID vaccines this year. NHS England review the criteria every year and tell us who we can give a vaccine to.

This year, less people are eligible for the vaccine.

You are eligible if you are either:

  • Over 75 years of age
  • Living in a care home for older adults
  • Severely immunosuppressed

Some health conditions which previously made you eligible for COVID vaccination, like asthma or diabetes, no longer qualify. The people who are still eligible are those who:

  • Have or had blood cancer, such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma
  • Have had an organ transplant, bone marrow transplant or stem cell transplant
  • Have HIV
  • Have a genetic disorder that affects your immune system, such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)
  • Are having or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy
  • Are taking steroid medicine (depending on the dose)
  • Are having long-term immunosuppressive treatment for a condition such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma or psoriasis

Some people have received a message from NHS England centrally telling them that they are eligible, but this may have been in error. We will double-check patients booked in for COVID vaccinations to make sure they are eligible.

We have to abide by the guidance set on who can receive a COVID vaccine. We are sorry if this is a disappointment to you. We understand that many people will be concerned about protecting themselves and their loved ones if they are no longer eligible for the COVID vaccine this year.

If you wish to register your feelings about the COVID vaccine eligibility, Healthwatch Sussex is an independent organisation who can listen to your story and raise your concerns with NHS leaders. Find their contact details at: https://www.healthwatchwestsussex.co.uk/contact-us