NHS autumn 2026 flu vaccine: eligibility and booking

The NHS autumn 2026 flu vaccination programme starts in stages, with pregnant women and eligible children offered vaccination from 1 September, and most eligible adults from 1 October. Check your eligibility now, use NHS booking routes, and ask a GP or pharmacist if a medical condition or family circumstance makes the rules unclear.

Who can receive a free NHS flu vaccine

For the 2026 to 2027 season, the programme includes:

• People aged 65 or over, including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027.
• Adults aged 18 to 64 with an eligible long-term health condition.
• Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy.
• Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026, plus eligible children from Reception to Year 11.
• Children aged 6 months to under 18 with certain clinical risk conditions.
• People living in long-stay residential care.
• Carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or the main carer for an older or disabled person.
• People living with someone who has a weakened immune system.
• People experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

Frontline health and social care workers should normally arrange vaccination through their employer.

Conditions that may qualify adults include asthma requiring steroid treatment, COPD, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, diabetes, neurological conditions, a weakened immune system, sickle cell disease, a learning disability or a BMI of 40 or above. If you are unsure, speak to your GP surgery or specialist.

When autumn vaccinations begin

Pregnant women and eligible children can generally be vaccinated from 1 September 2026. The adult programme begins on 1 October 2026, including vaccination for people aged 65 or over, adults in clinical risk groups, carers and care-home residents.

The NHS aims to complete most vaccinations by the end of November, but eligible people can still be vaccinated later in the winter. A small number of adults may be offered vaccination earlier after a clinical assessment, for example before immunosuppressive treatment.

How to book your flu vaccination

If you are aged 18 or over, you may be able to book online through the NHS or use the NHS App. Appointments are available from the relevant programme start date, not necessarily immediately after booking.

Other routes include:

• Your GP surgery.
• A community pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccination, for eligible people aged 18 or over.
• Your maternity service if you are pregnant.
• Your care home if you are a resident.
• Your employer if you are a frontline health or social care worker.
• School-age immunisation services for eligible children.

Use NHS websites, the NHS App, your GP or a named pharmacy directly. Avoid unofficial booking links that ask for unnecessary personal or payment details.

When to ask a GP or pharmacist

Ask for advice if you have a long-term condition but cannot tell whether it is included, have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or ingredient, or are currently unwell with a high temperature. Tell the vaccinator about any egg allergy so they can choose the appropriate advice and vaccine.

The injected flu vaccines used in the UK cannot give you flu. Mild soreness, a slightly raised temperature or aching can occur and usually improve within one to two days.

Check the official programme before booking

The NHS flu vaccine page explains current eligibility and access routes. The GOV.UK 2026 to 2027 programme guidance sets out the national timetable and eligible groups, while UKHSA guidance provides further seasonal detail. Check those pages before arranging an appointment because delivery routes, pharmacy availability and local booking instructions can change.

The next useful check is whether your GP, pharmacy, maternity service, school or employer has opened appointments for the date that applies to you.

Source: NHS