Groups recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccine in autumn/winter 2025/2026
• All aged 60 years and older
• All aged 18 years and older living in a long term care facility for older adults
• All aged 6 months and older with immunocompromise associated with a suboptimal response to vaccination
• All aged 6 months and older with a medical condition associated with a higher risk of hospitalisation, severe
disease or death due to COVID-19:
o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological
disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited
metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, Body mass index ≥ 40kg/m2
, Serious mental health
conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children with moderate to severe
neurodevelopmental disorders
Eligible groups for 2025/2026 HSE influenza vaccination programme
• All aged 60 years and older
• All those aged 18 years and older living in residential care facilities for older people and other long stay facilities
where rapid spread is likely to follow the introduction of infection
• All aged 6 months and older who is at increased risk of influenza related complications:
o Cancer, Chronic heart disease, Chronic kidney disease, Chronic liver disease, Chronic neurological
disease, Chronic respiratory disease, Diabetes and other metabolic disorders, including inherited
metabolic disorders, Haemoglobinopathies, immunocompromise due to disease or treatment, Body mass
index ≥ 40kg/m2
, Serious mental health conditions, Children and adults with Down syndrome, Children
with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental disorders, Children on long term aspirin therapy
• All children and young people aged 2 to 17 years
• All healthcare workers
• All pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• Carers and household contacts of people at increased risk of influenza related complications
• People with close, regular contact with pigs, poultry or water fowl