image: ©Thiago Santos | iStock
The NHS has launched its spring COVID-19 vaccine programme in England, offering updated protection to millions of vulnerable people, including older adults and those with weakened immune systems, with eligible groups encouraged to get their COVID-19 vaccine
This COVID-19 vaccination programme will offer updated protection to millions of vulnerable people, including those aged 75 and over and people with weakened immune systems, as health officials encourage eligible groups to book their COVID-19 vaccine.
Millions eligible for spring booster doses
Thousands of appointments are now available at GP practices and community pharmacies for people aged 75 or over, older people in care homes, and immunosuppressed people.
COVID-19 continues to spread all year round and can be very dangerous and life-threatening for vulnerable people. COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness can fade over time, and the circulating strain of the virus can change; therefore, vulnerable groups need to maintain their immunity.
NHS Director of Vaccination Caroline Temmink said: “With us all experiencing lighter and warmer days, it can be harder to imagine getting sick from viruses like COVID-19, but they do circulate all year and can be just as dangerous for those who are vulnerable.
“Previous immunity can wane over time, so we are encouraging all those who are eligible to come forward as soon as possible to get protected.
“You do not need to wait for an invite to book if you’re eligible – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 to get an appointment in your diary.”
Inquiry highlights COVID-19 vaccine impact and inequalities
On Thursday, 16 April 2026, as part of the COVID-19 Inquiry, a report by Baroness Hallett cited 1 study which estimated that by March 2023, COVID-19 vaccines had saved the lives of 475,000 people in England and Scotland.
The UK Covid-19 Inquiry’s Module 4 report found that people with learning disabilities aged 18–34 were around 30 times more likely to die from Covid-19, highlighting the unequal impact of the virus across vulnerable groups. It also identified persistent inequalities in vaccine uptake, with lower vaccination rates in some ethnic minority communities, deprived areas and among disabled people. Despite these disparities, the report noted that the vaccination programme was delivered at scale, with around 71% of doses in England administered through GP practices and community pharmacies by late 2021, and research cited in the inquiry estimated that vaccines reduced mortality by around 70% in adults aged 25 and over.