Millions of people are entitled to a free NHS flu vaccine from October 1, 2026, as the annual autumn rollout begins. The NHS is urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated, warning that flu is not just a bad cold and can lead to hospital stays and serious health consequences.
Figures from the flu season that started in the second half of October last year show thousands of people attended emergency departments with respiratory conditions, including flu. Attendances began at around 9,000 per week at the beginning of October 2025, peaked at slightly over 17,000 in December, and stabilised at around 10,000 weekly attendances from the week beginning January 5.
Who can have the flu jab
The NHS website advises that the flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are aged 18 to 64 and 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
- are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer. There are separate rules for children and pregnant women, whose jabs have been available since the beginning of September.
Who cannot have the flu vaccine
The NHS advised that most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it. You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine.
Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy. If you are unwell and have a high temperature, you should wait until you're feeling better before having your flu vaccine.
How to get the flu vaccine
Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from October 1, 2026. Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from September 1, 2026. You may be able to get a flu vaccine from your GP surgery, a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over), your maternity service (if you're pregnant), your care home (if you live in one), or your employer (if you're a health or social care worker).
If you're aged 18 or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. Vaccination appointments will take place from October 1, 2026, or from September 1, 2026 if you're pregnant.
Side effects and effectiveness
The most common side effects of the flu vaccine are mild and get better within one to two days. They can include pain or soreness where the injection was given, a slightly raised temperature, and an aching body. The NHS added that more serious side effects such as anaphylaxis are very rare, and the person who vaccinates you will be trained to deal with allergic reactions and treat them immediately.
The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses and cannot give you flu. The vaccine usually takes up to 14 days to work, and protection goes down with time, which is why it's important to get the flu vaccine every year.
