The UK Renal Pharmacy Group (UK RPG) has summarised the latest national vaccination and immunisation recommendations for people with CKD, dialysis and kidney transplants, following updates to the national immunisation schedule effective from 1 September 2025.

The guidance reaffirms that patients with nephrotic syndrome, CKD stages 4–5, and those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant should be vaccinated at diagnosis and then as outlined in the Green Book vaccination schedule.

Download the updated guidance now

Key updates for Autumn 2025

• COVID-19 vaccine – eligibility for the autumn 2025 programme includes adults aged 75 years and over, residents in older adult care homes, and individuals aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed. As in 2024, household contacts and frontline health and social care workers are not included in the eligible cohort.

• Pneumococcal vaccine – PCV20 is expected to replace PPV23 in adults aged 65 years and over, and within the at-risk programme, in late 2025 or early 2026.

• Shingles (Shingrix®) – individuals aged 18 years and over with severe immunosuppression, or those anticipating immunosuppressive therapy, should be offered vaccination.

The full table of vaccine recommendations for renal and transplant patients is available in the update.

Supporting implementation

Vaccination activity for at-risk and immunosuppressed groups continues through the autumn period. Renal pharmacy teams are encouraged to review local vaccine protocols, support patient education and coordinate with renal, dialysis and transplant services to ensure eligible individuals are protected ahead of winter.