COVID-19 vaccine - Eligibility for the COVID-19 vaccine
If you are eligible, the vaccine will be provided free through the NHS.
The UK introduced its COVID-19 vaccine programme in December 2020 to help prevent serious illness, hospital stays and deaths. Over the last few years, the number of people going to hospital and dying from COVID-19 has fallen.
For most people, COVID-19 is mild, though it can still make you feel unwell. However, some people are at higher risk of severe illness.
The COVID-19 vaccine programme aims to protect those at highest risk of severe illness. COVID-19 is more serious for older people (including those in care homes) and those with certain health conditions. These groups are still more likely to need treatment in hospital if they get COVID-19.
As COVID-19 continues to circulate in Wales, it is very important for you or your child to get vaccinated if you are eligible. Vaccination helps lower the risk of needing hospital care due to COVID-19.
Wales follows Welsh Government policy on who is eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations. This policy is based on evidence about who is most at risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 can help reduce the risk of serious illness and death from the virus. Protect yourself and your health and social care services.
If you are at most risk of serious illness from COVID-19 infection, you will be offered a vaccination in spring and autumn each year. This is to make sure you remain protected against COVID-19. We recommend that you have your vaccination as soon as it is offered to you.
Adults
COVID-19 is more likely to be serious for older adults and those with certain health conditions. Adults at higher risk of severe COVID-19 illness will be offered a vaccination this spring. Getting a COVID-19 vaccine helps reduce the risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19.
Adults in the following groups will be eligible for a single dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during Spring 2025:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- adults aged 75 years and over
- adults aged 18 and over with a weakened immune system.
You will be offered the most suitable vaccine for your age and condition.
Make sure you don’t delay getting your COVID-19 vaccine if you’re advised to.
How do I know if I have a weakened immune system?
A weakened immune system means your body cannot fight off infections as well as it normally would. This includes people who:
- are undergoing chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy
- have had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant
- are living with HIV (at any stage)
- are diagnosed with multiple myeloma
- have a genetic disorder affecting the immune system (such as IRAK-4, NEMO, complement disorder or SCID)
- are undergoing biological therapy to suppress the immune system (for example, rituximab, alemtuzumab or anti-TNF)
- take (or are about to take) steroids for more than a month at a certain dose
- have a history of leukaemia, lymphoma, or myeloma
- take long-term immunosuppressive treatment for an autoimmune disease.
For more information, go to the national COVID-19 vaccination programme autumn 2025 (external site) or contact your GP or local Health Board.
Children and young people
COVID-19 can affect anyone. For most children, COVID-19 is a mild illness that rarely leads to problems. However, some children are at greater risk, including those living with certain health conditions.
Children and young people aged six months to 17 years who have a weakened immune system are advised to have the COVID-19 vaccine this spring. Vaccination reduces the chance of becoming seriously ill or dying from COVID-19. Getting vaccinated is a safe and effective way to protect your child against serious illness and the need for hospital care.
Which children and young people will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine this seasonal?
Children and young people aged between six months and 17 years with a weakened immune system will be offered the COVID-19 vaccine as part of the seasonal vaccination programmes. This includes children and young people who:
- are having chemotherapy or radical radiotherapy
- have had a bone marrow, stem cell or organ transplant
- have a genetic disorder that affects the immune system (such as IRAK-4, NEMO, complement disorder or SCID)
- have cancer of the blood or bone marrow
- are having biological therapy to suppress the immune system (for example, rituximab, alemtuzumab or anti-TNF)
- are being treated with or likely to be treated with high or moderate-dose steroids
- take oral medication that affects the immune system (for example, methotrexate, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine or mycophenolate), and
- have an autoimmune disease that needs long-term treatment.
Children and young people who are about to start taking medication that will suppress their immune system should be considered for vaccination before this.
Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe for children and young people?
All medicines and vaccines in the UK are closely monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). They have approved the vaccines for use in children and young people, as they are safe and effective.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccines given to children and young people, including their contents and possible side effects, visit the EMC website (external site). You will need to enter the words ‘COVID vaccine’ in the search box. You can also see the patient leaflet online.
COVID-19 vaccination and severe immunosuppression
People aged six months and older with severe immunosuppression may not respond well to the Those aged six months and older who have a very weak immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment may not always build up full immunity to COVID-19. If this applies to you, medical experts may advise you to have additional doses to improve your protection. You may be offered these additional doses outside of the seasonal programme, to boost your protection until the next vaccination campaign.
If you have any questions, speak to your doctor or practice nurse. They will be able to tell you if you or your child needs additional COVID-19 vaccines.
I haven’t been invited for my vaccine. What should I do?
If you have not received an invitation or think you have been missed, please contact your local health board.
Who can give consent for children and young people to receive the vaccine?
If you are a parent or carer with parental responsibility for a child or young person, you will be asked to give informed consent (permission) for them to have the vaccine. Young people aged 16 and over can give consent (permission) themselves.
In some circumstances, young people under the age of 16 may be mature enough to give consent themselves if they fully understand what is being offered. This is known as Gillick competence. Although, it is best that parents or carers are involved in the decision of young people having the vaccine.
The nurse or person giving the vaccination will be able to discuss the vaccine at the appointment and answer any questions.
What about people who are eligible for the vaccine but are in hospital for something else?
Hospital patients who are due for vaccination may be offered their vaccination in hospital if possible. Contact your local health board for more information.
Residents in care homes for older people will be offered their vaccination in their care home.
Page last reviewed: 25th March 2026