People who develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens their immune system, including stem cell therapy, are being reminded they may need additional protection from Covid-19 before autumn 2023.

Following on from the end of the Covid-19 spring vaccination programme and until the launch of autumn/winter vaccinations, the focus of the NHS is now very much on  adults with a weakened immune system.

“If you have a weakened immune system, either as a result of developing a new health condition or starting a treatment that weakens your immune system, your specialist will be able to assess whether you need an additional Covid-19 vaccine,” explains Julie Humphreys, Head of Clinical Services, Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.

“Subject to their assessment, they can then make a referral and advise on the best timing for an additional Covid-19 vaccination around your planned treatment, in order to give you the additional protection you need.  It might even be that some people with a weakened immune system are advised to restart their vaccinations before the autumn.”

The only other group who are currently eligible for a Covid-19 vaccine are children aged 6 months to 4 years-old who are at increased risk from Covid-19 due to certain medical conditions, in line with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).  

The full list of eligibility criteria can be found in the Green Book Chapter 14a – Table 4, page 27 – and includes those with chronic respiratory disease, chronic heart conditions, chronic conditions of the kidney, liver or digestive system, chronic neurological disease, endocrine disorders, immunosuppression, asplenia and serious genetic abnormalities.

If your child falls into this age bracket and is eligible, you should have received a letter from the NHS advising how to get them vaccinated.

The JCVI is expected to make an announcement in the coming weeks about who will be eligible for Covid-19 vaccinations in the autumn.  Interim JCVI advice suggests this could be people who are at increased risk from Covid-19 due to their age or a health condition.

For more information visit our COVID-19 vaccination page – please keep checking back over the summer, since we will update the website as we receive advice and guidance.