Newdays Pharmacy · 21st August 2026 · 4 min read
Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to drop, flu season is once again on its way. At New Days Pharmacy, we want to make sure you and your loved ones head into autumn and winter fully protected. This guide covers everything you need to know about the NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccination programmes for 2026/27 who’s eligible, when to get vaccinated, and how we can help.
Earlier than ever this year: The NHS flu vaccination programme begins on 1 September 2026 for several key groups earlier than many people expect. If you’re pregnant, you may be able to get protected right now. Don’t wait.
Why Vaccination Matters This Winter
Flu is far more than a bad cold. It can lead to serious complications including pneumonia, hospitalisation, and in some cases, death, particularly for older adults, young children, and people with underlying health conditions. Last winter in England, the NHS flu jab is estimated to have prevented around 104,000 hospitalisations. With NHS services under pressure every winter, getting vaccinated is one of the most meaningful things you can do for yourself, your family, and your community.
COVID-19 also continues to circulate during the colder months, and for those most at risk, it remains a serious threat. That’s why the NHS runs both programmes in parallel every autumn.
NHS Flu Vaccination 2026/27: Who Is Eligible?
The NHS offers a free flu jab to those most at risk of serious illness. For 2026/27, eligibility is split into two phases:
From 1 September 2026
- Pregnant women
From 1 October 2026
- Children aged 2 or 3 years (on or before 31 August 2026)
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Individuals aged 2 to under 65 in clinical risk groups, which includes:
- Conditions affecting breathing (e.g. asthma requiring a steroid inhaler, COPD, cystic fibrosis)
- Heart, kidney, or liver disease
- Diabetes
- Neurological conditions
- A weakened immune system
- Individuals experiencing homelessness
- Residents in long-stay residential care homes
- Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or the main carer for an elderly or disabled person
- Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Frontline social care workers without employer-led occupational health cover
Not sure if you qualify? Speak to our pharmacist team we’re happy to help you check your eligibility.
NHS COVID-19 Vaccination Autumn 2026: Who Is Eligible?
The autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme is expected to begin from 1 October 2026. Eligible groups include:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the NHS COVID-19 Green Book)
Where possible, the NHS encourages people eligible for both vaccines to receive them at the same appointment making it quicker and more convenient.
When Should I Get Vaccinated?
The short answer: as soon as you’re eligible and for some groups, that’s right now.
This year, the NHS flu programme starts earlier than many people realise. Pregnant women can be vaccinated from 1 September 2026 a full month before the general adult rollout. This earlier start gives more people longer protection heading into the peak risk months.
Flu season typically peaks in December and January, so getting vaccinated in September or October means your immune system has time to build strong protection before the virus starts circulating widely. For most adults, the NHS recommends completing vaccination by late November. The COVID-19 programme runs through to January 2027, but earlier is always better.
How to Book Your Flu or COVID-19 Jab
There are several ways to get your vaccine:
- At Newdays Pharmacy – walk in or book an appointment with us directly. No need to wait for a letter if you’re aged 18 or over and eligible.
- Through your GP surgery – your practice will contact you when appointments are available.
- Via the NHS App – eligible adults aged 18 and over can book online now.
- At other participating pharmacies – use the NHS ‘Find a Flu Vaccination Service’ tool from 1 October 2026.
If you’re a frontline health or social care worker, you should get your flu vaccine through your employer in the first instance. If that’s not possible, we can help.
Can I Get Both Vaccines at the Same Time?
Yes and the NHS actively encourages it. If you’re eligible for both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, getting them together at the same visit is safe, effective, and saves you time. Ask our team about co-administration when you come in.
What About Children?
Most school-age children (Reception to Year 11) will receive the flu vaccine as a nasal spray at school, no injection required. Parents do not need to arrange this separately.
Children aged 6 months to under 2 years who are in a clinical risk group will be offered an injectable flu vaccine. Speak to your GP or visit us at Newdays Pharmacy if your young child is in a risk group and hasn’t been contacted.
Visit New Days Pharmacy This Autumn
At Newdays Pharmacy, your health is our priority all year round but especially during flu season. Our trained pharmacists are here to administer your flu and COVID-19 vaccines safely and efficiently, answer any questions you have, and help you understand your eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
The NHS flu vaccination programme for 2026/27 begins in autumn 2026. Eligible people can arrange their vaccination through participating pharmacies, GP practices and other NHS vaccination services.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations at participating branches, making it convenient for eligible patients to protect themselves ahead of the winter flu season. Check availability and book your appointment with Newdays Pharmacy.
NHS flu vaccination is offered to people in eligible groups who are at greater risk from flu or who may benefit from protection. This can include older adults, people with certain health conditions, pregnant women and some children.
Eligibility can change each season, so check the latest NHS guidance or ask your local pharmacy. Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations to eligible patients at participating branches.
In some circumstances, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given during the same appointment. Whether you are eligible for both vaccines depends on the NHS vaccination programme and your individual circumstances.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS vaccinations to eligible patients through participating branches. Our pharmacy team can advise you about eligibility, availability and booking for the 2026/27 vaccination season.
Flu viruses change over time, and the strains expected to circulate can vary from one season to another. The flu vaccine is updated regularly to provide protection against the strains expected during the upcoming season.
This is why eligible people are advised to have a flu vaccination each year. Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations at participating branches for eligible patients.
Depending on your eligibility, you may be able to receive your vaccination from a participating pharmacy, GP practice or NHS vaccination service.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations at participating branches across the local area. Eligible patients can contact their nearest Newdays Pharmacy to find out about availability and book their vaccination.
Private flu vaccination services may also be available for people who are not eligible for a free NHS vaccination, subject to availability.