Flu Vaccination Service 2026/27
Protect yourself and those around you this flu season with a flu vaccination at our pharmacy.
Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can cause serious complications, particularly for older adults, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions. Getting vaccinated every year is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of catching flu, becoming seriously unwell and passing the virus on to others.
The flu vaccine is updated annually to help protect against the strains of influenza expected to circulate during the upcoming flu season.
We offer free NHS flu vaccinations to eligible adults aged 18 and over, as well as private flu vaccinations for those who do not qualify for a free NHS vaccine.
Who Is Eligible for a Free NHS Flu Vaccination?
For the 2026/27 flu season, you may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination if you are:
- Aged 65 or over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027).
- Aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, chronic respiratory conditions, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or a weakened immune system.
- Pregnant, at any stage of pregnancy.
- Living in a long-stay residential care home.
- A carer receiving Carer’s Allowance or the main carer of an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you become unwell.
- A close contact of someone with a weakened immune system, where you meet the NHS eligibility criteria.
- A frontline social care worker who meets NHS eligibility requirements and does not have access to an employer-led occupational health vaccination scheme.
- Experiencing homelessness, including rough sleeping or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.
Frontline healthcare workers should also be offered flu vaccination through their employer’s occupational health programme.
When can you get vaccinated?
For the 2026/27 season, NHS flu vaccinations for most eligible adults began on 1 October 2026. Pregnant women have been eligible to receive their vaccination since 1 September 2026.
If you are unsure whether you qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination, please speak to our pharmacy team. We can help you check your eligibility.
Flu Vaccinations for Children
The NHS also provides free flu vaccinations to eligible children, including:
- Children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2026.
- Primary and secondary school children from Reception to Year 11.
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 years with certain long-term health conditions.
Most children receive the flu vaccine as a nasal spray rather than an injection.
Children’s flu vaccinations are available through GP surgeries, school immunisation services and participating pharmacies. From October 2026, selected pharmacies can also vaccinate eligible children aged 2 to 17. From 1 December 2026, participating pharmacies can offer catch-up vaccinations to eligible schoolchildren who missed their school vaccination.
Please note: Our pharmacy’s advertised flu vaccination service is for adults aged 18 and over. For children’s flu vaccinations, please contact your GP surgery or visit the NHS children’s flu vaccination guidance.
Private Flu Vaccinations
If you are not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, you can still protect yourself with a private flu vaccination at our pharmacy.
Private flu vaccinations are available to suitable adults aged 18 and over, subject to vaccine availability and a clinical assessment by our pharmacy team.
Please contact us for information about pricing, availability and appointments.
Who Should Not Have the Flu Vaccine?
Most people can safely receive a flu vaccination. However, there are some circumstances where additional advice or precautions may be needed.
- Previous serious allergic reaction: If you have experienced a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous flu vaccine or one of its ingredients, you should inform our pharmacy team before vaccination.
- High temperature or fever: If you are currently unwell with a high temperature, you should wait until you are feeling better before receiving your flu vaccination.
- Egg allergy: Some flu vaccines contain traces of egg protein. Having an egg allergy does not automatically mean you cannot receive a flu vaccine. Please inform our pharmacist so that a suitable vaccine can be considered.
Our trained pharmacy team will assess your suitability before administering the vaccine and answer any questions you may have.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The flu vaccine has a good safety record. Most side effects are mild and usually settle within a few days.
Common side effects may include:
- Soreness, redness or swelling around the injection site.
- A mild headache or muscle aches.
- Feeling tired or generally unwell.
- A slightly raised temperature.
The injected flu vaccine cannot give you flu because it does not contain live influenza virus.
Serious allergic reactions are very rare. Our pharmacy team is trained to recognise and manage these reactions.
Book Your Flu Vaccination
Protect yourself and your loved ones this winter by booking your flu vaccination with our friendly pharmacy team.
Whether you are eligible for a free NHS flu jab or would like to arrange a private vaccination, we are here to help.
Speak to our pharmacy team for more information or book your flu vaccination online today.
For further information about NHS flu vaccination eligibility, visit the official NHS flu vaccination page.
