Spring COVID-19 vaccination arrangements announced

Spring vaccine

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that the 2026 COVID-19 spring vaccination programme will get under way from Monday 20 April, giving the more vulnerable members of our community the opportunity to top up their protection ahead of any potential waves of COVID-19 over the coming months.

This year’s spring vaccine will be offered to:

  • adults aged 75 years old or over;
  • residents in a care home for older adults;
  • individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the PHA, said: “The spring COVID-19 vaccination campaign will start on 20 April and run until June. Based on expert advice, this programme aims to protect those considered most vulnerable from severe illness due to COVID-19 infection over the spring and summer. This year the RSV vaccination eligibility criteria has been aligned to match the over 75 group who are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. This makes it easier for those who are over 75 and due to get both vaccines to get them at the same appointment. 

“Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 are still in circulation and can be life threatening for the most vulnerable people in society. Residents in older adult care homes, adults who are 75 or over and people who are immunosuppressed are particularly vulnerable to complications from COVID-19.

“It is important to keep up to date with your vaccines, as viruses change and protection fades over time.

“The best way to protect yourself and others is through vaccination. I would urge everyone who falls into an eligible group to take up the offer of free vaccination when available.”

All those eligible will be offered an appointment between April and June. They will be invited to have the top-up around six months from the last dose, but it can be given from three months since the last dose.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt is urging all those who are eligible to come forward for their vaccination. He said: “Getting your vaccination is the best form of direct protection against COVID-19 and I would urge all those eligible to take up the offer of vaccination when invited to do so.”

The vaccines are being rolled out to eligible groups via GPs, community pharmacies and HSC Trusts.

  • Community pharmacies will be visiting care homes to vaccinate eligible residents.
  • People aged 75+ will receive an invite in due course from their GP surgery, or they could enquire if the vaccine is available via a community pharmacy or HSC Trust clinic. Those who are eligible for both RSV and spring COVID-19 vaccinations may be offered them at the same time by their GP practice, in line with JCVI guidance.
  • Immunosuppressed individuals aged 18 or over will receive their vaccination via GPs, community pharmacies and HSC Trusts.
  • Immunosuppressed individuals aged 6 months to 17 years of age, as identified by their GP or specialist, can receive their vaccine from HSC Trusts.
  • Housebound patients will be identified by GPs and the HSC Trust vaccination teams will administer vaccinations.

For further information on the spring top up see www.nidirect.gov.uk/covidvaccine

View information on the RSV vaccine for adults at www.pha.site/immunisation-and-vaccinations