Community Pharmacy England reported ‘major issues' last week describing the situation as ‘unacceptable'.

Alastair Buxton, director of NHS Services at Community Pharmacy England, said: ‘Between a third and a half of people who turn up for their appointments are having to be turned away at many pharmacies. The situation is unacceptable. Patients arrive expecting a Covid booster, unaware that this year only those aged 75 and over, those living in adult care homes and younger patients with weakened immune systems, are eligible, and pharmacies can only give them the flu jab.

 

‘From the first day of the vaccination programme last week, it became clear that many patients were missing eligibility information and turning up expecting a Covid booster they were no longer entitled to. That obviously takes a lot of explaining to patients. It causes upset, concern and sometimes anger. We've certainly had examples of patients becoming abusive with pharmacy team members.'

Henry Gregg, chief executive of the National Pharmacy Association, said: ‘We are aware of reports from across the country of patients who are not eligible on the NHS for this year's Covid vaccine arriving at pharmacies, having been able to book an appointment via the online system. 

‘This should have been avoidable and it is deeply frustrating for both pharmacies and patients. We urge any patient in this situation to treat pharmacy teams with respect as pharmacies try and manage the new NHS clinical criteria.

‘We've urgently raised this issue with NHS England and the Department of Health and have asked for it be resolved as soon as possible.'

The Liberal Democrats called on the Government to review the eligibility criteria for Covid following a 60% rise in hospitalisations due to the new XFG variant.

Liberal Democrat health and care spokesperson, Helen Morgan commented: ‘As we head into winter it's incredibly worrying that hospitalisations, caused by the new Covid-19 variant, continue to rise - whilst those wanting to receive a vaccine are being told they must pay to go privately. It would be a tragedy for people to suffer preventable illness, especially while A&Es and our ambulance service are pushed to breaking point.'

An NHS spokesperson urged people to check before booking, highlighting eligibility had changed this autumn with only people aged 75 or over, those with a weakened immune system and older people living in care homes qualifying.

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said: ‘The Government is committed to protecting those most vulnerable to Covid-19 through vaccination. In line with independent JCVI advice, the autumn 2025 programme is focused on targeted vaccination of those who continue to be at higher risk of serious disease.

‘This includes those aged 75 years and over, residents in care homes for older adults and individuals who are immunosuppressed.'