It’s that time of the year again when, as we start to head into autumn and winter, seasonal illnesses start to become more prevalent in the UK, and that includes COVID-19.  It is also around this time that the NHS offers vaccines to those eligible and we are sharing a round-up of useful information including who is eligible, how to book, treatments, and what to do if you have any questions about COVID vaccination (this information may differ between the different nations in the UK).  Any further updates will also be included here.

The NHS website explains that COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time so it is important to top up your protection if you are eligible.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

According to the NHS website, those eligible for the vaccine include:

• adults aged 75 years and over
• people living in a care home for older adults
• people aged 6 months to 74 years who have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or medical treatment.

This includes people who:

• have had a transplant
• are taking strong steroid medicines
• have had recent biological therapy, chemotherapy or radiotherapy
• are taking long term immunosuppressive medicines (in the context of PBC, Prednisolone, Mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), Azathioprine and Tacrolimus are regarded as immunosuppressive medicines. It would NOT include Ursodeoxycholic Acid (UDCA), Bezafibrate, Obeticholic acid, Elafibranor, and Seladelpar.)

Booking a vaccine

If you’re eligible for the vaccine, the NHS website confirms that you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.

Vaccination appointments will take place from 01 October 2025.

From 01 October 2025, you may also be able to get vaccinated at:

• a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
• a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
• your care home (if you live in a care home)

You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment.

Treatments

The NHS offers treatments to those at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. Note that most PBC patients do not fall into these risk categories; only post-transplant patients, patients with cirrhosis, and people on immunosuppressants (see the information above about immunosuppressive medicines).

More information about NHS treatments can be found on the NHS website here.

Please speak with your own liver specialist or GP about your eligibility for treatments and the best treatment for you.

If you have questions

If you have questions about COVID vaccination, eligibility for treatments, or the best treatment for you, please speak directly with your own liver specialist or GP.

More information

Useful sources of information include:

https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine

https://www.nhsinform.scot/covid19vaccine COVID-19 vaccination in Scotland

https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/covid-19-vaccination-information/ COVID-19 vaccination in Wales

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/information-and-services/health-and-wellbeing/coronavirus-covid-19 COVID-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland