Scotland Narrows Covid Vaccine Eligibility, sparking Concern from Health Charity
Scotland has revised its Covid-19 vaccination program for autumn 2025, limiting eligibility to adults over 75, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed. The change represents a critically important reduction from previous campaigns and has drawn criticism from a leading health charity, which described the move as “puzzling” given ongoing risks associated with the virus.
The decision,guided by recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI),comes as the Scottish government acknowledges a diminished overall threat from Covid-19 due to high levels of vaccine-induced immunity. However,Age Scotland expressed concern that the narrowed eligibility criteria could leave vulnerable individuals unprotected as the virus continues to circulate.NHS Scotland will directly contact those eligible with appointment details or booking invitations in the coming weeks.
Public Health Scotland (PHS) confirmed the updated eligibility list for the Covid-19 vaccine. In contrast, the flu vaccine program will remain broader, offering protection to those aged 65 and over (as of March 31, 2025), individuals aged 18-64 with eligible health conditions, pregnant women, residents of long-stay care facilities, those living with immunocompromised individuals, unpaid or young carers, frontline health and social care workers, poultry workers, asylum seekers in Home Office accommodation, homeless individuals, those experiencing substance misuse, and people living in Scottish prisons.
Public health minister Jenni Minto affirmed the government’s continued adherence to JCVI guidance. A comprehensive list of eligible groups for winter vaccinations is available on the PHS website: https://publichealthscotland.scot/population-health/health-protection/immunisation-vaccine-and-preventable-disease/seasonal-immunisations/flu-immunisations/adult-flu-immunisations/eligible-groups-and-invitations/.
