NHS Seasonal Vaccination · Hampshire

Free NHS COVID-19 Vaccination at Southdowns Pharmacy

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.

✓ Free NHS Funded ✓ No Long Waits ✓ Same Day Available
Free
of Charge
NHS
Funded
4
Hampshire Locations
Same
Day Appointments Available
NHS COVID-19 Programme

Protecting Those Most at Risk

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.

Pharmacist administering a vaccination
GPhC-Registered Pharmacists
Spring 2026 Programme

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:

  • Adults aged 75 years and over
  • Residents in care homes for older adults
  • Individuals who are immunosuppressed, aged 6 months and over

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.

Spring 2026 Eligibility

Are You Eligible for a Free NHS COVID Vaccine?

The Spring 2026 programme is targeted at those at highest risk. Check whether you qualify below.

Adults Aged 75 and Over

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.

Care Home Residents

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.

Immunosuppressed Individuals (Aged 6 Months+)

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.

How to Book

Three Ways to Book Your NHS COVID Vaccine

Booking is simple. Choose whichever method works best for you.

1

Book Online

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.

2

Call 119

Call 119 free of charge to book your NHS COVID-19 vaccine by phone. Lines are open seven days a week.

3

Walk In or Call Us

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.

Safety Information

Safe, Approved, and Effective

Every COVID-19 vaccine offered through Southdowns Pharmacy is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Are COVID-19 Vaccines Safe?

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.

What Side Effects Should I Expect?

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.

Private Vaccination Available

Not Eligible for the NHS Vaccine?

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 Vaccine
4 Locations Across Hampshire

Book at Your Nearest Hampshire Branch

Free NHS COVID-19 vaccinations available at all four Southdowns Pharmacy locations.

Bosmere Pharmacy branch

Bosmere Pharmacy

Solent Road, Havant
Mon–Fri: 08:00am - 21.00pm
Saturday: 08:00am - 21.00pm
Sunday: 10:00am - 14:00pm
Book Here
Davies Pharmacy branch

Davies Pharmacy

12 West Street, Havant
Mon - Friday: 9.00am - 17:30pm
Saturday: 09:00am - 14:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Book Here
Emsworth Pharmacy branch

Emsworth Pharmacy

2-4 Central Buildings, West Street, Emsworth
Mon–Fri: 9:00am – 7:00pm
Saturday: 09:00 - 17:00
Sunday: Closed
Book Here
Rowlands Castle branch

Rowlands Castle

14 The Green, Rowlands Castle
Mon - Friday: 09:00am - 18:00pm
Saturday: 09:00am- 13:00pm
Sunday: Closed
Book Here

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.

Book Online
FAQs

COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

Common questions about the NHS COVID-19 vaccination service at Southdowns Pharmacy.

No. While eligible patients will receive an NHS notification, you do not need to wait for it. You can book proactively at any of our branches, via the NHS app, or by calling 119.
Yes. If you meet the current NHS eligibility criteria, your COVID-19 vaccine is completely free of charge — there is nothing to pay.
Vaccine availability varies by season. Our team will confirm which vaccine you will receive at the time of booking or at your appointment.
The vaccination itself takes only a few minutes. We ask patients to remain for a short observation period afterwards — typically 10 to 15 minutes in total.
Yes. You are welcome to bring a family member or carer. Please let our team know in advance if you require any assistance.
The eligibility criteria changed for Spring 2026. If you are no longer included in the NHS cohorts, you may wish to consider our private vaccination service at £92.50. Speak to our pharmacist for personalised advice.
Yes. Immunosuppressed individuals are actually a priority group for the NHS programme, as they are at higher risk of serious illness. Please bring details of your condition or treatment to your appointment so our pharmacist can advise appropriately.
NHS Funded Free of Charge Spring 2026 Programme GPhC Registered Same-Day Available

Protect Yourself This Season — Book Your Free NHS COVID Vaccine Today

All four Southdowns Pharmacy locations offer NHS COVID-19 vaccination for eligible patients. Walk in during opening hours or book online now.

Free
of Charge
4
Hampshire Locations
Same Day
Available
GPhC
Registered

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.