Winter vaccines in Gwent: flu and COVID-19 eligibility differ

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is urging eligible Gwent residents to take up winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. The two programmes have different eligibility rules, so an offer of one does not automatically qualify someone for the other.

The age rules are different

For the 2026/27 flu programme, the age-based offer covers people who will be 65 or older on 31 March 2027. Other eligible groups include pregnant women and younger people in defined clinical risk groups. This autumn’s COVID-19 programme covers adults aged 75 or over on 31 January 2027, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged six months or over who are immunosuppressed under the national clinical criteria. Being aged 65 to 74 alone does not qualify someone for that COVID-19 offer.

How to arrange an appointment

Eligible adults can receive flu vaccination through a GP surgery or some community pharmacies. The health board says residents will receive information about booking through their GP practice, pharmacy or vaccination service. For local help, Aneurin Bevan’s Vaccination Booking Centre is on 0300 303 1373, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Its email address is abb.vsbc@wales.nhs.uk. Ask the service or a healthcare professional to check individual eligibility if unsure.

Invitation dates and other vaccines

Welsh Government guidance expects eligible people’s COVID-19 appointments to be scheduled by 31 December 2026. The autumn programme concludes on 31 January 2027, allowing follow-up opportunities. RSV is a separate vaccination offer with its own criteria. The board says it remains available throughout the year for eligible older adults and pregnant women.