Flu and COVID-19 can make some people very unwell. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill.
If you are eligible, you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations free from the NHS.
Our practice encourages everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated this autumn and winter.
Flu vaccination
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu.
Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions.
Who can get the flu vaccine?
From 1 September 2026, the NHS flu vaccine is available to:
- pregnant women
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
- school-aged children from Reception to Year 11
- children aged 6 months to under 18 years with certain health conditions
From 1 October 2026, the NHS flu vaccine is available to:
- people aged 65 years or over
- people aged 18 to 64 years with certain health conditions
- people living in long-stay residential care homes
- carers who receive Carer’s Allowance, or who are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- eligible frontline health and social care workers
- eligible people experiencing homelessness
If you are not sure whether you can have a free NHS flu vaccine, please speak to our practice team, your pharmacist or healthcare professional.
Find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website
Flu vaccinations for school-aged children
School-aged children from Reception to Year 11 are usually offered their flu vaccination at school.
Parents and carers will receive information and a consent form from their child’s school or the School Age Immunisation Service. If your child misses their vaccination at school, they should be offered another opportunity to have it at a community catch-up clinic.
From 1 December 2026, participating community pharmacies can also offer flu vaccinations to school-aged children who missed their vaccination at school.
Children who are home educated or do not attend a mainstream school should be offered their vaccination at a community clinic.
Children with certain long-term health conditions may also be able to have their flu vaccination through their GP surgery.
Find out more about the children’s flu vaccine on the NHS website
COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect people who are at increased risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
For autumn and winter 2026, you may be offered a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 years or over
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 6 months or over and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
The NHS list of conditions and treatments that can cause a weakened immune system is only a guide.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible, please speak to our practice team, your pharmacist or specialist healthcare team.
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine on the NHS website
When can I have my vaccination?
Most eligible people can have their flu vaccination from 1 October 2026.
Pregnant women and eligible children can have their flu vaccination from 1 September 2026.
COVID-19 vaccination appointments start from 1 October 2026.
You can book an appointment now for a date when vaccinations are available.
How do I book?
If you are eligible, you can book your vaccination through the NHS.
You can book online or use the NHS App.
Book your NHS flu vaccination
Book your NHS COVID-19 vaccination
Depending on which vaccination you need, you may also be able to get vaccinated through:
- our practice
- a participating community pharmacy
- a walk-in vaccination service
- your care home, if you live in a care home
- your maternity service, if you are pregnant
- your employer, if you are an eligible health or social care worker
If you cannot book online
If you cannot book online, you can call 119 free of charge to book your flu or COVID-19 vaccination over the phone.
You can ask for an interpreter if you need one.
If you have difficulties communicating or hearing, you can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language interpreter service.
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking your COVID-19 vaccination if you know you are eligible.
Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes.
If you are eligible for both vaccines, you may be offered your flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same appointment.
Why should I get vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated can:
- reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill
- help protect you from complications
- reduce your risk of needing hospital treatment
- help protect you during the winter months
Protection from vaccines can reduce over time, and viruses can change.
This is why you may be offered another vaccination this winter, even if you have been vaccinated before.
Need help?
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a vaccination, please contact our practice or speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional.
You can also find the latest information on the NHS website:
Protect yourself this winter. If you are eligible, get vaccinated.