Health officials have urged people across Greater Manchester to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19 early, as the NHS prepares for its “busiest time of year.”
NHS Greater Manchester has asked those eligible to get protected “as soon as you can” before winter viruses circulate more widely. Viruses like flu and Covid put extra pressure on hospitals and GP services every winter, with infections increasing as the weather gets colder and people spend more time indoors.
Vaccination reduces serious illness risk
Vaccination helps protect against winter viruses, which can be serious or life-threatening. The NHS says vaccines reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill and needing hospital treatment.
In Greater Manchester, the winter vaccination programme will begin on September 1, giving those most at risk the chance to get protected before winter viruses begin to circulate more widely.
Eligibility for flu and Covid vaccines
From September 1, 2026, the flu vaccine will be available to pregnant women, all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026, primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6), secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11), young people aged 17+ who meet specific criteria, and all children from six months of age who are in clinical risk groups.
From October 1, 2026, the flu vaccine will be available to adults aged 65 years and over, those aged 16-64 in clinical risk groups, people with certain long term health conditions, residents in care homes, carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, close contacts of people who are immunocompromised, and eligible frontline health and social care workers.
From October 1, 2026, the Covid vaccine will be available to residents in a care home for older adults, adults aged 75 years and over, and people aged six months to 74 years with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.
How to get the jabs
NHS Greater Manchester says the flu vaccine will be available for pregnant women and children aged two and three years on August 31, 2026, with the school vaccination programme beginning when the new school year starts. Where people are eligible for both Covid and flu vaccines, they may be able to receive their vaccinations at the same appointment.
Dr Manisha Kumar, chief clinical officer from NHS Greater Manchester, said: “As we head towards winter, we're asking everyone who is eligible to think about vaccination now and not to wait for winter illnesses to arrive.”
“Flu and COVID-19 can both make people seriously unwell, particularly older people, pregnant women and those with underlying health conditions. Every vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness, hospital admission and passing these viruses on to family, friends and people who are more vulnerable.”
“If you're invited for your winter vaccinations, please take up the offer as soon as you can. It's one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and help reduce pressure on NHS services during what is always our busiest time of year.”
People will be contacted when it is their turn to book a vaccination. Eligible residents can also book through the National Booking Service or attend participating walk-in clinics where available.
