Newdays Pharmacy · 21 August 2026 · 4 min read
Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
Every year, millions of people in the UK put off or skip their flu vaccination entirely. Life gets busy, it feels like a hassle, or it just doesn’t feel urgent enough. But this autumn, there are more reasons than ever to make it a priority. Here are 10 you might not have considered.
Earlier start this year: The NHS flu programme is already open from 1 September 2026 for pregnant women
1. Flu Is Far More Dangerous Than a Bad Cold
Flu isn’t just a heavy cold. It can cause serious complications including pneumonia, secondary bacterial infections, and organ failure particularly for older adults, pregnant women, and people with long-term health conditions. Every winter, flu puts tens of thousands of people in hospital across the UK, and for some, the consequences are permanent. Getting vaccinated is the single most effective way to reduce that risk.
2. Last Year’s Flu Jab Won’t Protect You This Winter
Flu viruses mutate constantly. Scientists and public health experts update the vaccine each year to match the strains expected to be most prevalent that season. Even if you had the jab last year, you are not protected this winter without a new dose. The 2026/27 vaccine has been specifically formulated for this season’s circulating strains it’s not the same as previous years. Think of it like your annual MOT a yearly essential, not a one-off fix.
3. The Programme Has Started Earlier This Year
This season, the NHS flu vaccination programme kicked off on 1 September 2026 for pregnant women That’s earlier than many people expect, and it means if you’re in one of these groups, you can get protected right now, weeks ahead of peak season. Don’t wait for a letter, come in and ask us today.
4. You Protect More Than Just Yourself
Getting vaccinated isn’t just a personal decision, it’s a community one. When you’re vaccinated, you’re less likely to catch flu and pass it on to people around you who are more vulnerable: newborns too young to be vaccinated, elderly relatives, or friends on immunosuppressant medication. The more people in a community who are vaccinated, the harder it is for the virus to spread. Your jab matters to far more people than just you.
5. It Reduces Pressure on the NHS
Winter is the most stressful period for the NHS every year. A&E departments fill up, GP appointments become harder to get, and hospital wards operate at capacity. The annual flu programme saves thousands of lives and reduces GP consultations, hospital admissions, and pressure on A&E. By getting vaccinated, you’re playing a direct role in keeping the health service running for everyone who needs it including you.
6. It Could Keep You Out of Hospital
Around 104,000 hospitalisations were estimated to have been avoided last year thanks to flu vaccination in England alone. That’s 104,000 people who didn’t need a hospital bed, didn’t disrupt their families, and didn’t face the complications that come with a severe flu admission. Vaccination is prevention and prevention is always better, cheaper, and easier than treatment.
7. Flu Jab Protects Your Income and Your Family’s Routine
Flu doesn’t just make you ill it knocks you out. Most people who catch the flu are unwell for one to two weeks, and many take time off work. For parents, that also means disrupted childcare, school runs missed, and potentially a sick child at home too. A few minutes getting the jab this autumn could save you days of misery and weeks of disruption down the line.
8. It’s Particularly Vital If You Have an Underlying Condition
If you live with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, COPD, or a weakened immune system, catching flu carries a much higher risk of serious complications. Flu can trigger asthma attacks, dangerous blood sugar fluctuations in people with diabetes, and rapid deterioration in people with heart or lung conditions. If you have a long-term health condition, the flu jab isn’t just recommended, it’s one of the most important things you can do for your health this winter.
9. You Can Have the Flu Jab and COVID-19 Jabs Together
If you’re eligible for both vaccines which includes many people aged 65 and over, and those in clinical risk groups you can have both at the same appointment. The NHS actively encourages co-administration, and at Newdays Pharmacy, we can arrange this for you. Two vaccinations, one visit, and you’re protected against both viruses heading into winter.
10. It’s Free, Fast, and Available at Your Local Pharmacy
If you’re in an eligible group, your flu jab costs nothing and takes just a few minutes. No GP appointment needed, no long waits, no complicated booking process. Community pharmacies across England provided over 4.6 million flu vaccinations last season a 15% increase on the year before showing that more people than ever are choosing the quick, convenient pharmacy route. At Newdays Pharmacy, we’re ready to vaccinate you now. Walk in or call ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
The flu jab helps reduce your risk of getting flu and can lower the risk of serious complications if you do become infected. It can also help protect people around you, particularly those who may be more vulnerable to flu.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations at participating branches, making it convenient for eligible patients to get protected ahead of the flu season.
The NHS offers free flu vaccination to people in eligible groups who are at greater risk from flu or who may benefit from vaccination. This can include older adults, people with certain health conditions, pregnant women and eligible children.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations for eligible patients at participating branches. If you are unsure whether you qualify, speak to your local pharmacy team.
Yes, eligible people are advised to have a flu vaccine each year. Flu viruses can change from season to season, and the vaccine is reviewed and updated to provide protection against the strains expected to circulate.
Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations each season for eligible patients at participating branches.
Yes. Newdays Pharmacy provides NHS flu vaccinations at participating branches for eligible patients. Private flu vaccination may also be available for people who are not eligible for a free NHS vaccination, subject to availability.
Contact your nearest Newdays Pharmacy or check the available booking options to find out about eligibility, appointments and vaccination availability.