Eligible patients can receive their seasonal COVID-19 vaccine free of charge at any of our four Hampshire locations. No long waits, no hassle — walk in or book online today.
Eligible patients can receive their seasonal COVID-19 vaccine free of charge at any of our four Hampshire locations. No long waits, no hassle — walk in or book online today.
The NHS seasonal COVID-19 vaccination programme provides free vaccines to those most vulnerable to serious illness from COVID-19. The programme is reviewed regularly by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), whose recommendations are accepted by ministers and form the basis of NHS eligibility each season.
By getting vaccinated, you help protect yourself from serious illness, hospitalisation, and the complications that COVID-19 can cause — particularly if you are older or have an underlying health condition.
For Spring 2026, the JCVI has updated its advice, focusing the programme on those at highest risk of serious disease. Free NHS COVID-19 vaccinations are now offered to the following groups only:
Please note: this represents a change from previous programmes, which included a broader range of cohorts. If you were eligible in a previous season, please check the current criteria before booking.
The Spring 2026 programme is targeted at those at highest risk. Check whether you qualify below.
If you are 75 years of age or older, you are eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine this season. You should receive an invitation from the NHS, but you can also book directly without waiting for a letter.
Residents in care homes for older adults are eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccination is typically arranged through your care home, but please speak to our team if you need assistance.
If you or your child are immunosuppressed due to a medical condition or treatment — such as chemotherapy, certain immunological conditions, or organ transplant — you are eligible regardless of age. Please bring details of your condition to your appointment.
Not sure if you qualify?
Speak to one of our pharmacists — we're happy to check your eligibility and advise on the right next step, including whether the private vaccine might be more appropriate for you.
Booking is simple. Choose whichever method works best for you.
Use the NHS app or visit nhs.uk to book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment at your nearest Southdowns Pharmacy branch. Available 24 hours a day.
Call 119 free of charge to book your NHS COVID-19 vaccine by phone. Lines are open seven days a week.
Visit any of our four Hampshire locations during opening hours and speak to our team directly, or call your nearest branch and we'll book you in.
Eligible patients will receive a notification from the NHS inviting them to book their seasonal COVID-19 vaccine. You do not need to wait for this letter — you can book proactively at any time.
Every COVID-19 vaccine offered through Southdowns Pharmacy is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).
Yes. All vaccines offered under the NHS programme are approved by the MHRA and subject to ongoing safety monitoring. They have been administered to hundreds of millions of people worldwide and have a well-established safety record.
Side effects are typically mild and short-lived. The most common include a sore or tender arm at the injection site, mild fatigue, headache, or flu-like symptoms in the day or two following vaccination. Serious reactions are extremely rare.
Our pharmacists observe all patients for a short period after vaccination.
Which vaccine will I receive? Vaccine availability may vary by season and location. Our pharmacy team will confirm which vaccine you will receive when you book or arrive for your appointment.
If you don't currently meet the NHS eligibility criteria for Spring 2026, you can still protect yourself with our private COVID-19 vaccination service. We offer the latest Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine privately for £92.50 per dose — ideal for those who want to stay protected but fall outside the current NHS cohorts.
Find Out About Our Private COVID VaccineFree NHS COVID-19 vaccinations available at all four Southdowns Pharmacy locations.
Walk-ins welcome at all four branches
No letter required. If you meet the eligibility criteria, visit any branch during opening hours and our team will vaccinate you the same day.
Common questions about the NHS COVID-19 vaccination service at Southdowns Pharmacy.
Free for eligible patients · Same-day available
All four Southdowns Pharmacy locations offer NHS COVID-19 vaccination for eligible patients. Walk in during opening hours or book online now.
This page provides general information about the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme for Spring 2026. Eligibility criteria are set by the JCVI and NHS England and are subject to change. Information is accurate as of April 2026. Please consult the latest NHS guidance or speak to one of our GPhC-registered pharmacists for personalised advice.