The Public Health Agency has scheduled the start of Northern Ireland's 2026 spring COVID-19 vaccination programme for Monday 20 April. The initiative targets vulnerable residents ahead of potential virus waves in coming months.

Eligible groups include residents in older adult care homes, adults aged 75 and over, and immunosuppressed individuals. Appointments will occur between April and June via GPs, community pharmacies, and HSC Trusts.

Rachel Spiers, Senior Commissioning Lead for Immunisations at the Public Health Agency, stated that the programme runs until June and protects those most at risk of severe illness from COVID-19 during spring and summer. She noted that respiratory viruses remain in circulation and can threaten vulnerable people, with protection fading over time.

Spiers added that vaccination offers the best protection for individuals and others, urging eligible residents to accept free appointments. Top-up doses can be given from three months after the last dose, typically around six months.

The programme aligns RSV vaccination eligibility with the over-75 COVID-19 group for convenience at single appointments.

Health Minister Mike Nesbitt called on eligible people to get vaccinated when invited, describing it as the best direct protection against COVID-19.