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COVID-19 and vaccine information for people with pulmonary fibrosis

Read about the latest guidance on COVID-19 restrictions, vaccines and protecting yourself from infections for people affected by pulmonary fibrosis.

The latest guidance (Autumn 2026)

There are currently no COVID-19 restrictions in the UK.

Vaccinations

Always speak to your healthcare team about which vaccines are appropriate for you

COVID-19 vaccines

COVID-19 vaccines are available on the NHS until 31 January 2027.

Who can get a COVID-19 vaccine?

You may be eligible for a free COVID-19 vaccine if you:

are aged 75 or over
are over 6 months old and have a weakened immune system
live in a care home for older adults

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is not specifically included within the eligibility criteria. Some people with PF may be eligible if they meet other criteria. Some people with PF or interstitial lung disease (ILD) take medication that suppresses their immune system, which may make them eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

If you are unsure about your eligibility, please speak to your healthcare team for advice.

How to get the COVID-19 vaccine:

You don't need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. If you're eligible, you can:

Read more about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website.

Flu vaccines

Flu vaccines are offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.

Who can get a flu vaccine?

You may be eligible for a free flu vaccine if you:

are aged 65 or over
have certain long-term health conditions (including pulmonary fibrosis)
are pregnant
live in a care home
are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive carer's allowance
have close contact with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers should also be offered a flu vaccine.

How to get the flu vaccine:

If you're eligible, you can:

‍book an appointment online‍
go to a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccinations
contact your GP surgery to book an appointment

Read more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines

Who can get an RSV vaccine?

You may be eligible for a free RSV vaccine if you:

are aged over 75
are aged 65 to 74 and have a weakened immune system or have a long-term lung condition like pulmonary fibrosis
are pregnant
live in a care home.

How to get the RSV vaccine:

If you’re eligible, you can:

‍book an appointment online‍.
go to a pharmacy that offers free NHS RSV vaccinations
contact your GP surgery to book an appointment

Read more about the RSV vaccine on the NHS website.

Shingles vaccines

Who can get a shingles vaccine?

You may be eligible for a free shingles vaccine if you:

turned or turn 65 on or after 1 September 2023
are aged 70 to 79
are aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system.

How to get the shingles vaccine:

Your GP surgery will usually contact you when you become eligible for the shingles vaccine. Speak to your GP surgery if you think you're eligible for the shingles vaccine, but you've not been contacted.

Read more about the shingles vaccine on the NHS website.

Protecting yourself

Coronavirus FAQs

Coping with cold weather

Call our support line

Find a support group

Our website and resources provide general information only. We cannot provide medical advice, treatment or prescriptions, nor can we assess/decide what services or clinicians you should be referred to. Support with these matters will need to be provided by your existing healthcare professional teams.

APF is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage suffered by users resulting from the information published on our website or in our resources.

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