NHS offers 2025 COVID vaccine: Who is eligible for the Spring booster jab?

We may have been successful in containing the pandemic caused by COVID-19, but the disease still lingers. This infectious disease is still very dangerous, and sometimes even fatal, especially for vulnerable groups. As the spring officially kicks off, National Health Service (NHS) has announced their 2025 Spring Booster campaign. Around 7.5 million people in England are eligible for a free top-up vaccination, and the bookings are now open. Here’s everything you should know about the Spring Booster campaign.What is the 2025 vaccination campaign?On Mar. 25, the NHS has announced the spring Covid-19 vaccination campaign and the national booking system has opened on the same day. The appoinment date starts from Tuesday, Apr. 1. Who is eligible for the 2025 COVID jab aka Spring booster?While 7.5 million people in England could benefit from this vaccination drive, according to NHS, the eligibility criteria is dependent on certain factors.“This spring, the NHS is offering the Covid-19 vaccine to protect those that are at the highest risk of getting seriously unwell if they catch the virus," Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS England’s national medical director said. Eligible people can get the spring booster between 1 April to 17 June. “We are contacting everyone who is eligible for the jab via text, email, NHS App messages or letters but you don’t need to wait for an invite to book, just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 now to book your appointment,” Prof Powis confirmed. Vulnerable groups are eligible for the spring booster vaccine. The eligibility criteria are the same as it was for the previous spring seasons, with the addition of immunocompromised people in younger age groups. The eligibility is the same across the 4 nations of the UK (England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland). The eligible individuals are:Campaign dates in Scotland are from Mar. 31 until Jun. 30. In Wales, the drive starts on Apr. 1 and ends on Jun. 30. For Northern Ireland residents the campaign is between Apr.7, and lasts until Jun. 30. People who are residents in care homes for older adults are also eligible. However, carers and staff in care homes are not eligible. Are the spring boosters necessary?Though the pandemic is in the rearview, COVID-19 disease still exists. Protection from earlier vaccines can fade over time, and the virus can still pose serious health risks, especially for older adults and those with compromised immunity. “The latest weekly NHS statistics show there are still more than 1,000 people in hospital with COVID each day, showing that this continues to be a serious illness, particularly for older people and those with weakened immune systems. Previous immunity, either from having the virus or from a previous vaccination, can wane over time, so it is vital that those who are at higher risk top up their protection, with new evidence showing those who have received a Covid jab are 40% less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus in the following two months,” the medical director said.