The United Kingdom has announced the groups eligible for its Spring 2027 COVID-19 vaccination programme, including adults aged 75 and above, people with weakened immune systems aged six months and older, and residents of care homes for older adults.
The Department of Health and Social Care disclosed the decision in a statement published on Friday, following the government’s acceptance of recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
Under the programme, vaccinations will be offered to the three groups considered to face a higher risk of serious illness from COVID-19.
The eligibility criteria remain consistent with those used in previous spring vaccination campaigns.
Minister of State for Public Health and Patient Safety, Dame Diana Johnson, said older adults and immunosuppressed individuals continued to face an increased risk of severe outcomes from the virus.
She said the government had adopted the expert committee’s recommendations to ensure that protection was available to those most at risk.
“Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself from serious illness and I encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer,” Johnson said.
The spring programme is part of the UK government’s continuing efforts to protect vulnerable groups against serious complications associated with COVID-19.
Deborah Adeyefa
