Expert advisers recommend raising NHS COVID-19 vaccine age threshold to 80

Independent vaccine advisers have recommended increasing the minimum age for routine NHS COVID-19 vaccination in England from 75 to 80 from the 2027–28 vaccination programme, as part of efforts to target those at greatest risk of serious illness.

The recommendation comes from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises UK health departments on immunisation policy. The committee said the change reflects the continued decline in severe COVID-19 outcomes among younger older adults and aims to ensure the programme remains proportionate and cost-effective.

If accepted by ministers, routine seasonal COVID-19 vaccination in England would be offered to:

• Adults aged 80 years and over
• Residents of older adult care homes
• People aged six months and over with severe immunosuppression, regardless of age.

The proposal would increase the age threshold by five years compared with the current programme, which routinely offers vaccination to adults aged 75 and over, alongside care home residents and eligible immunosuppressed individuals.

The JCVI emphasised that COVID-19 continues to pose the greatest risk to the oldest adults and people with severely weakened immune systems. It said focusing vaccination on these groups would continue to provide the greatest health benefit while making the best use of NHS resources.

The recommendation is advisory and has not yet been adopted by the UK Government. Final decisions on future NHS vaccination programmes will be made by ministers following consideration of the JCVI’s advice.

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