Covid jab roll-out 'disastrous' says pharmacist

Criteria to receive the Covid jab on the NHS has changed for autumn 2025

A Sussex pharmacist said the first day administering the Covid vaccine for the coming winter was "disastrous".

Pharmacists across the country are describing problems, with patients being booked to receive jabs they are no longer eligible for because of a change in criteria.

Only those aged 75 and older are now being offered free boosters, along with younger patients who have a weakened immune system.

The NHS is urging people to check carefully before making their appointment.

Dervis Gurol from the Healthy-U Pharmacy in Saltdean, East Sussex, started his Covid and flu clinics 1 October.

He told BBC Radio Sussex: "I can tell you, it was a disastrous day for us.

"We had over 380 appointments on our first day and I can comfortably tell you 60% of the bookings did not meet the criteria.

"The booking platform, if they booked for a flu jab, if they were over 65 or with some other condition, was also saying 'would you like a Covid jab?'

"We have had some unpleasantries, a few people that have been extremely abusive. If the NHS is putting a restriction in place, I can't go around that."

David Parker, from Yapton Pharmacy, said the invitations did specify, "although not very clearly", who was eligible.

"People have been ticking the 'I'm eligible' box when they shouldn't" he said, "but if you've received an invitation saying 'book yourself a vaccine', you don't read the small print and you think 'I'm eligible'."

Only the over-75s and those with certain conditions now qualify for the jabs

A statement from NHS England said: "Covid-19 vaccine eligibility changed for this autumn and winter following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommendation it should be offered to people aged 75 or over, anyone with a weakened immune system, or those living in older adult care homes.

"Please double check you're still eligible to receive a Covid-19 vaccine before booking.

"The NHS website sets out whether your age, health condition or medication means you're eligible, and your GP practice or pharmacist will confirm this before giving you the vaccine."