Top up your protection this winter

October 1, 2026

Top up your protection this winter by getting your flu vaccination if you are eligible.

The flu vaccine is offered on the NHS every autumn or early winter to those at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

  • are aged 65 or over
  • have certain long-term health conditions
  • are pregnant
  • live in a care home
  • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
  • live with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August, primary school and secondary school aged children and all children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months to less than 18 years are also eligible for a free flu vaccine
  • frontline health and social care workers can get a flu vaccine through their employer

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you will be able to get your vaccine from:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over or your child is aged 2 to 3 years old)
  • Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home, or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker

The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness, so make sure you get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit the NHS website: Flu vaccine – NHS

COVID-19

Those at increased risk from severe illness from COVID-19 may also be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

You can get the free NHS COVID-19 vaccine if you:

  • are aged 75 or over
  • have a weakened immune system
  • live in an older adult care home

If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book:

Don’t get caught out. If you or your child are eligible, make sure you get any extra protection you need.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the NHS website: COVID-19 vaccine – NHS

RSV

In addition, the NHS’s year-round RSV vaccination programme has expanded to include people aged 75 and over, those aged 65 to 74 with a weakened immune system, or certain long-term lung conditions and women 28 weeks pregnant or more.

RSV is a viral infection which can make babies and adults with long term lung conditions very unwell and at risk of hospitalisation.

Registered as housebound?

If you are registered as housebound with your GP, arrangements will be made for you to be offered your flu vaccination at home.

If you are unsure whether you are registered as housebound, please contact your GP practice.