NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service – Balance Pharmacy, Uttoxeter

At Balance Pharmacy, we are part of the NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Service, offering free COVID-19 vaccine doses for those who meet the eligibility criteria. The programme is commissioned via the Community Pharmacy Enhanced Service (CPES) as an extension of the national vaccination rollout.

We also promote co-administration with flu vaccinations where possible.

Who Is Eligible

Eligible groups change each year based on JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) advice. For the Autumn/Winter 2025-26 campaign, eligible groups include:

  • Adults aged 75 years and over 

  • Residents in care homes for older adults 

  • Individuals aged 6 months or over who are immunosuppressed (as defined by the Green Book

If you are unsure whether you qualify, our pharmacy team can help check.

How It Works

1. Booking or Walk-in

You can book via the NHS National Booking Service (NBS) or sometimes attend walk-in clinics, depending on availability.

2. Consultation & Eligibility Check

When you arrive, a trained vaccinator (pharmacist or suitably trained staff) will check your eligibility, ask some questions about your medical history, and ensure it’s safe to give the vaccine.

3. Vaccine Administration

The vaccine is given according to NHS guidelines. You may be offered the latest formulation appropriate for your risk group and age.

4. Aftercare & Monitoring

We monitor for a short period after vaccination for immediate side effects. You’ll get information on what to expect and how to manage mild side effects at home. We’ll also inform your GP or relevant health record (with your consent) so your vaccine history is updated.

Why Get Vaccinated?

  • Reduces your risk of severe illness from COVID-19

  • Helps protect those around you — particularly older adults, people in care homes, and those who are immunocompromised

  • Part of national efforts to reduce hospitalisation, serious disease, and manage seasonal COVID waves

  • Free under the NHS for eligible individuals 

Why Get Vaccinated?

  • Reduces your risk of severe illness from COVID-19

  • Helps protect those around you — particularly older adults, people in care homes, and those who are immunocompromised

  • Part of national efforts to reduce hospitalisation, serious disease, and manage seasonal COVID waves

  • Free under the NHS for eligible individuals 

FAQs

The current Autumn/Winter 2025-26 programme runs from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026, with most vaccinations expected to be completed by 19 December 2025. 

No. The NHS COVID-19 vaccine is free for all eligible people. 

Only those in eligible groups (e.g. older adults, immunosuppressed, care home residents) for the current campaign. Others who do not meet the eligibility will need to wait until the programme expands or follow future JCVI guidance. 

Yes. All vaccines used are authorised by the UK’s regulatory authorities, with safety monitoring in place. Mild side effects like soreness, fatigue, or low-grade fever are common and usually short-lived.

It helps to bring:

  • Proof of identity (if you have it)
  • NHS number (if known)
  • Any details of allergies or previous vaccine reactions

Where clinically appropriate and vaccine supply allows, yes — the NHS encourages co-administration of flu and COVID-19 vaccines during the campaign.

Book Your COVID-19 Vaccine

Stay safe, protect your health, and protect those around you.

Book online now or call us on 01889 562063 to speak with a member of our pharmacy team.