Flu vaccination · Autumn/Winter 2026
This autumn’s flu vaccine is on its way
Free NHS flu jabs are starting soon for everyone at higher risk. Here’s who’s eligible, when we’ll be in touch, and how you can help your appointment run smoothly.
The virus mutates, so last year’s jab won’t cover this year’s strains. A new vaccine is needed each season.
For older people, pregnant women, young children and those with certain health conditions, flu can lead to serious illness and hospital admission.
It takes around 14 days to take full effect, which is why getting vaccinated early in the season matters.
When we’ll be in touch
We’re contacting eligible patients in stages so appointments run smoothly. You don’t need to call us — we’ll reach out when it’s your turn.
Children under 18
Eligible children and young people will start to be contacted and offered appointments this month.
Everyone else eligible
All other eligible patients — including everyone 65 and over — will be offered an appointment from October.
Care homes & housebound patients
Residents of care homes and patients who are housebound will be contacted directly and offered a vaccination in October.
Are you eligible?
The free NHS flu vaccine is offered to everyone in the groups below.
- Everyone aged 65 years and over
- Everyone under 65 with a qualifying medical condition, including children and babies over 6 months
- All pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy
- All children aged 2 or 3 (as at 31 August, before vaccinations start in autumn)
- All primary school-aged children — offered the vaccination at school
- Some secondary school-aged children (Years 7–11) — offered the vaccination at school
- Everyone living in a residential or nursing home
- Anyone who receives a carer’s allowance, or is the main carer for an older or disabled person
- Anyone living with someone who has lowered immunity due to disease or treatment
- All frontline health and social care workers
Vaccinating children
Most primary and secondary school-aged children (Years 7–11) receive their flu vaccine as a quick nasal spray at school — parents don’t need to book this separately.
Younger children aged 2–3, and those under 18 in a clinical risk group, will be offered an appointment with us directly from September.
Helping your appointment run smoothly
A few small things make a big difference for you and everyone else at the clinic.
Arrive at your appointment time
Turning up on time helps us keep the clinic running to schedule, so there’s less waiting for everyone.
Wear a short-sleeved top
Or something you can easily roll up — it makes vaccinating your upper arm quicker and simpler.
Prepare for the weather
Clinics can involve a short wait, so bring a layer or umbrella if the forecast calls for it.
There’s nothing you need to do right now
If you’re eligible, our team will contact you directly to offer an appointment — by phone, text or letter, depending on your details with us. You don’t need to call and book yourself.
This applies whether you’re eligible through age, a health condition, pregnancy, your caring role, or where you live.
Think you’re eligible but haven’t heard from us?
Contact our reception team and they’ll be happy to check your record and answer any questions.
Frontline health or social care worker?
You should get your flu vaccine through your employer in the first instance.