The NHS autumn COVID-19 booster campaign is set to begin on 1 October 2026, following the release of the final legal directions required for health professionals to administer the vaccines. Updated guidance published by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS England on 21 September confirms the framework for the rollout, which will target those at highest risk of serious illness.
In Bognor Regis, the programme will be delivered through established local sites, including the Bognor Regis Health Centre on West Street. The site is managed by the Alliance for Better Care federation, which oversees vaccination services across the region. Residents can view local clinic details and updates via the Alliance for Better Care website.
Eligibility for the 2026 Autumn Booster
The 2026 campaign is more focused than previous years, with eligibility restricted to specific groups identified by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Those eligible for a booster this season include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over.
- Residents in care homes for older adults.
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
While the legal documents—the Patient Group Direction (PGD) and Vaccine Group Direction (VGD)—cover the administration of vaccines to anyone aged five and over, the seasonal booster programme is strictly limited to the high-risk categories listed above. The updated PGD (Version 5.0) remains valid until 1 February 2027.
New Legal Framework
This year’s rollout marks a transition in how the NHS manages mass vaccination. The temporary ‘National Protocols’ (Regulation 247A), which were introduced as an emergency measure during the pandemic, lapsed on 1 April 2026. These have now been replaced by the Vaccine Group Direction (VGD) as a permanent legal framework.
The PGD and VGD act as the legal instructions that allow healthcare staff, such as nurses and pharmacists, to supply and administer the vaccine without every patient needing a prescription from a doctor. This standardisation is intended to ensure the autumn rollout can proceed efficiently across community pharmacies and GP-led hubs.
How to Book
Eligible residents in Bognor Regis will be contacted by the NHS, but appointments can also be booked proactively from October. The National Booking Service will open for autumn booster appointments via the NHS website or by calling 119 for those who cannot access online services.
Health officials have advised that where possible, the COVID-19 booster may be offered alongside the annual flu jab, although this depends on local supply and clinic arrangements at the West Street Health Centre and other participating pharmacies.
