Protect yourself and your family this winter: flu vaccinations now available for those who are eligible

The wider flu vaccination programme for eligible groups begins today – 1 October 2026 – helping to protect those most at risk from serious illness during the winter months.

Flu is not just a heavy cold. It is a highly infectious virus that can lead to serious complications, hospital admission and, in some cases, death, particularly for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions.

Steve Clapton, Assistant Director of Health Protection and Prevention for the DLN cluster, said: “Flu can be a very serious illness and getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you ahead as we move into the winter months. This is why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated from today October 1.

“It can be very dangerous for those in higher risk groups who can go onto experience serious complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. It really can make some people seriously ill.”

From 1 October, flu vaccinations will be available for the groups listed below, who are encouraged to book an appointment with their GP practice or a local community pharmacy via the National Booking Service.  If you are eligible you do not have to wait for an invitation to book and have your vaccination.

• people aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31st March 2027)
• people aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• people who live in a care home
• people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• people who are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

Where you can get the flu vaccine?

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

You may be able to get a vaccine from:

• Your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (for those aged 18 or over)
• your maternity service (if you’re pregnant)
• your care home (if you live in a care home.

Parents of children aged two or three years and clinically at risk children aged 4 to 17 are encouraged to get them vaccinated at their vaccination at their GP practice or a participating community pharmacy.

Appointments at participating community pharmacies can be booked online Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment – NHS.

School-aged children are currently be offered the flu vaccine at school by the local school-aged immunisation service. Parents and carers will receive a consent form to complete prior to the Vaccination Team attending the school.

Pregnant women  are reminded they are still eligible for the vaccine.