Starting today, Monday 13 October 2025, Manx Care will begin its winter vaccination programme to help protect the community against COVID-19 and seasonal flu throughout the colder months. These vaccinations play a vital role in reducing the risk of hospitalisation and serious illness.
COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility
The COVID-19 vaccine will be offered to:
- People aged 75 and over, including those aged 75 by 31 January 2026
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the Green Book, COVID-19 chapter 14a)
- Frontline health and social care workers at high risk of exposure to protect these workers who may also expose vulnerable individuals whilst providing care
- If you have previously engaged with the Manx Care Vaccination Service, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend a drop-in clinic
- If you believe you are eligible but have not received an invitation, please contact the Vaccination Team to register your interest
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has updated its advice for the autumn 2025 COVID-19 vaccination programme. The focus of the programme is shifting towards targeted vaccination of those at highest risk of serious disease. Continuous monitoring has identified that the oldest age cohorts (over 75 years) and individuals who are immunosuppressed continue to be the most vulnerable in the population who sustain serious outcomes from COVID-19.
This represents a change from the Autumn 2024 programme, which also included adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged 6 month and over in a clinical risk group.
Seasonal flu vaccination eligibility
The flu vaccine will be available to:
- People aged 65 and over, this includes adults who will turn 65 years of age before the end of the programme on 31 March 2026
- Adults aged 18 to under 65 in a clinical risk group (as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19)
- Residents in long-stay residential homes
- Carers, including those receiving carer’s allowance or acting as the main carer for an older or disabled person
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Aged 2 to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19)
- Pregnant
- Poultry worker and/or bird handler
- Frontline health and social care workers
Vaccines should be offered at least six months after the previous dose. Eligible people will be offered the most suitable vaccine for their age or condition. Frontline health and social care workers who are registered with Manx Care will be contacted and advised of available clinics they can attend.
Booking and administration
Individuals eligible for vaccination who have previously engaged with the Vaccination Service will be contacted by Manx Care and invited to attend an appointment.
If you have previously opted out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme or have not received a vaccine through Manx Care before, and would like to explore your options, please get in touch with the Vaccination Team.
Where possible, both COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be administered at the same time to maximise protection.
You will be given details of where to attend for your vaccination in your appointment letter. This may be at Noble’s hospital, or at a site more convenient to your location.
If you have been given an appointment that is not suitable, please contact the Vaccination Team who will do their best to accommodate you.
Flu vaccines may also be available at local pharmacies or GP practices.
Appointments with the Vaccination Team can be booked via:
- Online booking system
- Phone: +44 1624 822111 / 111
- Email: Vaccinations@gov.im
Vaccines should be given at least six months after the previous dose. The most suitable vaccine will be offered based on age and health condition.
Catch-up Clinic Dates
- COVID-19 catch-up clinics will run until 31 January 2026
- Flu catch-up clinics will run until 31 March 2026
Details will be available on the Vaccinations webpage.
Side effects and safety
Most side effects are mild and short-lived, including arm soreness, tiredness, headache, and mild flu-like symptoms. Rare cases of heart inflammation (myocarditis or pericarditis) have been reported, mostly in younger men. Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fluttering heartbeat after vaccination should seek medical advice immediately. You can read more about side effects and safety on the Government COVID-19 webpages.
Additional information
- If you’ve missed previous vaccinations, you can still receive the autumn dose without needing extra doses
- If you’ve recently tested positive for COVID-19, wait until you feel well before attending your appointment. Do not attend if you may be infectious
Manx Care encourages all eligible individuals to take up the offer of vaccination to stay protected this winter.
Further information
For more information, please visit the vaccination webpage.
You can contact the Vaccination Team on +44 1624 822111 / 111 or email Vaccinations@gov.im
