BCG Bladder cancer & Covid vaccination

Hello 

I completed 25 sessions of BCG instillations in spring last year & have had all covid jabs so far. GP surgery state I am no longer entitled to Covid vaccine but according to hospital I am. I am lucky as cancer treatment & monitoring is fine directly by hospital. NHS green book schedule 3&4 mentions vulnerable groups being entitled but I think my gp practice are over zealous. I had issues getting flu jabs and shingles, gp practice constantly force me to get referral letters. What is your view on October 2025 entitlement to Covid vaccine. I have had multiple cancer operations by the way.

  • Hi there and thanks for the post

    I am sorry to hear about the operations and treatment you have received for bladder cancer in the past.

    There is information on GOV.UK about who is eligible for the 2025 autumn covid booster campaign. As you will see it has altered slightly from last year and includes people over the age of 75, residents in care homes for older adults and those immunocompromised.

    The eligibility list for immunocompromised includes

    • Organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients
    • Those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month
    • Those living with HIV
    • Those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy
    • Those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
    • Those requiring long-term treatment for immunosuppression
    • Those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia
    • Those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system

    From what I understand and the information you have told us ( although I don't know your age or any other medical information about you) that you probably don't meet the guidelines this time around. If of course you think you do then discuss it with your surgery/hospital team again.

    I hope this is helpful.

    Best wishes

    Naomi