Posted on: 8 April 2026
People most at risk from serious illness from COVID‑19 are being encouraged to come forward for a COVID‑19 vaccination, as the NHS begins the rollout of the Spring 2026 COVID‑19 vaccination programme across West Yorkshire.
COVID‑19 continues to circulate all year round and can still be very dangerous, particularly for older people and those with a weakened immune system. Protection from previous vaccinations or infection can fade over time, which is why eligible people are being offered a further dose this Spring.
Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the NHS is offering the COVID‑19 vaccine to those at highest risk of severe disease, including:
- adults aged 75 years and over (including those who turn 75 by 30 June 2026)
- residents in care homes for older adults
- those aged 6 months and over with a weakened immune system.
From 7 April 2026, eligible people can start booking their vaccination appointments through the NHS, with appointments available from 13 April. Vaccinations will continue until 30 June 2026.
Appointments are available at GP practices, community pharmacies and walk‑in sites. People do not need to wait for an invitation to book.
Dr James Thomas, Medical Director at NHS West Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, said:
“COVID‑19 is not just a winter illness and previous immunity can wane over time, so it is important that those most at risk top up their protection.
“The virus continues to be dangerous for older people and those with weakened immune systems, and we are encouraging everyone who is eligible to come forward as soon as possible to get protected.
“You do not need to wait for an invite – just visit the NHS website, use the NHS App or call 119 to book an appointment.”
UK Health Security Agency data from the Spring 2025 COVID‑19 vaccination programme showed that people who received a vaccine were around 50% less likely to be admitted to hospital with COVID‑19.
Eligible people can book a vaccination appointment:
- via the NHS App
- online at www.
nhs.uk/ get-vaccination - by calling 119 for free (with translators available)
- by visiting a walk‑in vaccination site listed at www.
nhs.uk/ covid-walk-in
Accessible information, including easy read and translated materials, is available at www.