This spring, the NHS is offering a COVID-19 vaccine to people at high risk of severe disease and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.
In 2023, data showed that people who received a booster in the autumn programme were around 45% less likely to be admitted to hospital with Covid-19 later. The protection you get from the COVID-19 vaccine lasts around four months.
The clinical risk for severe disease is higher for older people and people with a suppressed immune system. You can be immunosuppressed as a result of an underlying condition, or because of medication you are taking.
Some of the medications that may cause immunosuppression are used in MS. They include Lemtrada (alemtuzumab), Kesimpta (ofatumumab), rituximab, and steroids such as prednisolone if you've taken them for longer than a month.
These are the groups who will be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine this spring:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 75 years and over
- all people aged over 6 months who are immunosuppressed
This is a smaller group of people compared to previous vaccine booster programmes. If you are not sure whether your health conditions or medications put you at risk of severe disease with COVID-19, check with your GP or MS team.
Research has shown no increased risk of MS relapse after having a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you're eligible for the spring COVID-19 vaccine, you can:
- book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App
- go to a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.
The last date you will be able to get your COVID-19 vaccine is 17 June 2025. Online booking will close on 16 June 2025.
