The NHS has confirmed that adults aged 65 and over in England can receive their free seasonal flu jab from Thursday, October 1. The rollout is part of the annual autumn and early winter programme aimed at groups at higher risk of serious illness from the virus.
The vaccination programme began in September, with the jab offered to children and pregnant women. From October 1, other eligible groups will be invited, including people aged 65 and over, those aged 18 to 65 in clinical risk groups, residents in long-stay residential care homes, carers receiving Carer’s Allowance, close contacts of immunocompromised people, and frontline social care workers.
Why the rollout starts in October
Flu typically peaks around December and January, so the vaccine is offered to older adults from October 1 to ensure its effectiveness when the virus is circulating. As flu circulation in children usually precedes that in adults, the children’s programme starts earlier, from September 1. Protection from the vaccine lasts “much longer” in children, so an earlier start could reduce flu rates in older adults through indirect protection.
The later start date for the adult programme follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). In a letter confirming the rollout, Dr Thomas Waite, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, and Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, said: “In line with the advice from JCVI, the start of the adult programme for 2026 to 2027 will continue to be 1 October.”
Booking and completion targets
The NHS will notify eligible people in autumn or winter when they can get their vaccine, either at a GP surgery or a pharmacy offering NHS flu vaccination. It is expected that most vaccinations should be completed by the end of November to ensure as many people as possible are protected before winter.
Secretary of State for Health and Social Care Yvette Cooper said: “Vaccinations play a vital role in protecting those most at risk from flu and they are also crucial for relieving pressures on our NHS over the winter months. Everyone who is eligible for a free vaccination will be notified through their phone or in the post. Together, we can save lives, support the most vulnerable, and ensure our NHS is there for everyone who needs it this winter.”
