NHS England announced on 20 April 2026 that spring COVID-19 vaccinations had started that week for people aged 75 and over, older people in care homes and people who are immunosuppressed1. The programme is being delivered through GP practices and community pharmacies, with tens of thousands of appointments available across the country every day1.
The announcement set out the eligible groups and the routes to an appointment. NHS England said people who are eligible will be invited to come forward by the NHS, but that they do not need to wait for an invitation to book1. Appointments can be made through the NHS App, online, at a walk-in site, or by calling 119 free of charge for those who cannot get online1.
NHS England said COVID-19 spreads easily all year round and can be very dangerous and even life threatening for vulnerable groups, and that protection from a previous vaccination can fade over time while the circulating strain of the virus can change1. It said that for people at higher risk of severe illness it is important to top up protection and prevent potential hospital admission1.
The announcement also referred to the COVID-19 Inquiry. It said that on Thursday 16 April 2026 a report by Baroness Hallett cited one study which estimated that by March 2023, COVID-19 vaccines had saved the lives of 475,000 people in England and Scotland1.
"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."
Why it matters for households
The campaign covers households in England with someone aged 75 or over, an older person living in a care home, or a person who is immunosuppressed1. For those groups, NHS England says the virus can be very dangerous and even life threatening, and that protection from earlier vaccinations can wane while the circulating strain changes1. The practical change is that appointments are now available at GP practices and community pharmacies, and eligible people can book without waiting for an invitation1. NHS England advises eligible people to come forward as soon as possible to get protected1. The announcement does not give a closing date for the spring campaign, and none has been reported.
What happens next
NHS England said eligible people will be invited by the NHS to come forward, and that booking can be made in advance of an invitation through the NHS App, the NHS website, a walk-in site or by calling 1191. No end date for the spring programme was given in the announcement1.
Households wanting to check who is currently eligible can use the guide on who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now, and the wider schedule of vaccines that protect against outbreaks is set out in the health emergencies section.
Who Can Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
