https://healthmedia.blog.gov.uk/2026/10/29/your-guide-to-flu-vaccination-this-winter/

Your guide to flu vaccination this winter

Posted by: , Posted on: - Categories: Vaccinations and Immunisations

Getting your flu vaccine is a practical step towards staying well.

It helps reduce your risk of serious illness and hospital treatment.

Vaccinating children helps protect them and also helps reduce the spread of flu to families and people who are more vulnerable.

Booking arrangements and eligibility can differ elsewhere in the UK.

Why getting vaccinated matters

Flu usually comes on quickly, with fever, aches, exhaustion and a cough. It can cause pneumonia and worsen existing conditions. Even children without a long-term condition sometimes need hospital care. UKHSA estimates that vaccination prevented around 100,000 hospitalisations and 7,000 deaths in England in 2025/26. These are modelled estimates, not a guarantee of individual protection. Protection wanes and flu viruses change, so a vaccine is needed each season.

Who can get a free NHS flu vaccine?

  • People aged 65 or over, including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027.
  • Adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions.
  • Anyone who is pregnant, at any stage of pregnancy.
  • Residents of long-stay residential care homes.
  • People receiving Carer’s Allowance or who are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
  • People living with someone whose immune system is weakened.
  • People aged 16 or over sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters.
  • Children aged two or three on 31 August 2026; the NHS also advises vaccination for four-year-olds who have not started school.
  • School-aged children from Reception to Year 11.
  • Children aged six months to 17 with certain long-term health conditions. Ask the GP about children who are household contacts of someone with weakened immunity.
  • Frontline health and social care workers, normally through their employer. Eligible frontline social care workers without an employer scheme can access the NHS offer.

Conditions that can qualify include diabetes, certain breathing conditions such as asthma requiring steroid treatment and COPD, heart disease, chronic kidney or liver disease, some neurological conditions, a learning disability, weakened immunity, spleen problems and a body mass index of 40 or above. Not every long-term condition automatically qualifies: ask your GP, specialist or pharmacist if you are unsure.

How and when to get vaccinated:

  • Book online or in the NHS App: the booking service checks whether you need a vaccine. You do not need to wait for an invitation.
  • Call 119: booking by telephone is free if you cannot book online.
  • Contact your GP practice: this is also the route for eligible babies under two and children needing advice about the right vaccine.
  • Find a participating pharmacy: check its age limits and whether it offers booked or walk-in appointments. Not all pharmacies vaccinate children.
  • Ask your maternity service: flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy.
  • For school vaccinations: complete and return the consent form provided by the school immunisation team. If your child misses a session, contact that team about catch-up.
  • For care-home residents or frontline staff: ask the care-home team or your employer about local arrangements.

Vaccination started on 1 September for pregnant women and eligible children, and on 1 October for most other eligible groups. Participating pharmacies can vaccinate two- and three-year-olds and, since 1 October, children aged two to 17 in clinical risk groups.

Pharmacy catch-up for school-aged children who missed the school offer starts on 1 December 2026, not before. Get vaccinated as soon as you can: protection takes around two weeks to develop. Eligible adults can still receive vaccination later in winter; the NHS adult page lists 31 March 2027 as the final vaccination date.

Stay warm and get help early

Cold weather can worsen heart and lung conditions and increase health risks, particularly for older people and those with existing conditions. Vaccination protects against flu; it does not protect against every effect of cold weather. UKHSA advises trying to heat frequently used rooms, such as your living room and bedroom, to at least 18°C, wearing layers and checking on people who may need support. If heating costs are a problem, ask your council or an advice service about available help. Seek medical advice early if you feel unwell or are worried about someone else.

How the NHS is preparing for winter

The government’s 18 October announcement set out almost £140 million for 14 new urgent care schemes across England, including urgent treatment centres, same day emergency care services, new ambulance fleets and emergency department upgrades. Separately, 25 new or expanded urgent care sites announced in April will be open for winter. These are planned investments and openings, not a claim that every scheme is already operating.

The NHS has been preparing since July following a summer of record activity and extreme heat. The announcement also sets out almost £2 billion in urgent care capital investment until 2030, alongside £1.5 billion already confirmed for urgent maintenance across NHS buildings and facilities. The immediate £140 million announcement should not be added to these wider totals as though each were a separate pot. Extra capacity and vaccination work together: services prepare to treat people who need care, while vaccination helps prevent serious flu illness and avoidable admissions. You should still seek urgent or emergency help when you need it.

Additional questions and practical support

I had a flu vaccine last year. Do I need another?
Yes. Protection decreases over time and the vaccine is updated to match the main circulating flu viruses which change over time. If you are eligible, get vaccinated every season.

Can the vaccine give me flu?
The injected vaccine cannot cause flu. The children’s nasal spray contains weakened viruses and is designed not to cause flu in eligible children. A runny nose, mild fever or aches after vaccination are not the same as catching flu. The vaccinator checks whether the nasal spray is suitable.

What side effects might I have?
Common effects include soreness where an injection was given, mild aches or a slightly raised temperature. Children receiving the nasal spray may have a runny or blocked nose. Effects are usually mild and short-lived. Serious allergic reactions are rare; tell the vaccinator about any previous severe vaccine reaction or allergy and seek medical help if you are concerned.

Is flu vaccination recommended during pregnancy?
Yes, at any stage. Flu can be more serious during pregnancy, and vaccination helps protect you and your baby. Ask your midwife, GP or pharmacist about getting vaccinated. Pregnancy eligibility for flu does not automatically mean eligibility for COVID-19 vaccination.

My child missed vaccination at school. What should I do?
Contact the school immunisation team about another session. From 1 December 2026, participating pharmacies will also offer school-age catch-up. Children aged two to 17 with clinical risk conditions can already use participating pharmacies; eligible babies under two receive an injected vaccine through their GP. The nasal spray is not routinely offered to children under two.

What if the nasal spray is unsuitable or I do not want it for my child?
Speak to the school immunisation team or GP. An injected alternative is available for eligible children when the spray is unsuitable, including when its porcine gelatine content is a concern. Tell the team about asthma, wheezing, weakened immunity, medicines and allergies so they can advise on the right vaccine.

I feel well and manage my condition. Is vaccination still important?
Yes, if your condition makes you eligible. Feeling well does not remove the higher risk of complications from flu. Ask your clinical team if you are unsure whether your condition qualifies.

Can I have flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes, if you are eligible for both and the service offers them together. The eligibility rules are different, so check each vaccine separately. Do not delay your flu vaccination while waiting for another vaccine; ask the vaccinator about arrangements.

Can I be vaccinated if I have a cold or have already had flu?
A minor illness without a high temperature does not usually prevent vaccination. If you have a high temperature, wait until you are better and ask your provider about rearranging. Even after flu, vaccination can help protect against other strains covered by the vaccine.

Will vaccination stop every flu infection?
No vaccine provides complete protection. Flu vaccination reduces the risk of infection and serious illness, but you may still catch flu or another respiratory virus. Continue to wash your hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid close contact with others if you are unwell with a high temperature or cannot do your normal activities.

I cannot book online, need an interpreter or need help attending. What support is available?
Call 119 free of charge and ask for an interpreter if needed. Textphone users can use 18001 119; a British Sign Language interpreter service is available through NHS 119. NHS England provides translated, audio, BSL and easy-read vaccination information. Ask the provider in advance for reasonable adjustments, such as a quieter appointment or support from a carer. If you cannot leave home, contact your GP about local home-visit arrangements.

I do not have a fixed address or GP registration. Can I still get help?
Yes. Eligible people can get a free flu vaccine at a participating walk-in pharmacy without GP registration. Online national booking requires registration with a GP in England. You do not need proof of address to register with a GP; ask a hostel, day centre, outreach team or local practice for support. People aged 16 or over sleeping rough or using homeless hostels or night shelters are eligible under the new offer.

What if I am not eligible for a free vaccine?
Some pharmacies and employers offer vaccination privately. Check availability and costs directly. If you think the eligibility check is wrong, speak to your GP or pharmacist rather than assuming you cannot be vaccinated.

Where should I seek help if I get flu?
Ask for an urgent GP appointment or contact NHS 111 if you have flu symptoms and are in a higher-risk group, feel very unwell, are short of breath, are worried about your child or do not improve after seven days. Call 999 or go to A&E for sudden chest pain, severe difficulty breathing or coughing up blood. Do not let concerns about winter pressure delay emergency care.

Why get vaccinated if the NHS is adding more urgent care capacity?
Extra services help the NHS care for people who become ill, but preventing serious illness remains important. Almost £140 million has been announced for 14 urgent care schemes, with a separate 25 new or expanded sites opening for winter. Your flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of serious illness and hospital treatment. Getting vaccinated supports these preparations, but it does not replace medical care if you become unwell.

Trusted information and booking links

Tags:

Sharing and comments

Share this page