Newdays Pharmacy · 1st September 2026 · 4 min read
Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
When flu sweeps through a household, it rarely stops at one person. A child brings it home from school, passes it to a parent, who passes it to an elderly grandparent, and suddenly the whole family is affected.
This autumn, there’s a simple way to break that chain: vaccination.
Here’s what parents need to know about protecting every member of the family this flu season.
For Your Children
The NHS offers a free flu vaccine to most school age children. It’s delivered as a nasal spray, so there’s no needle and no tears. Most children are given the nasal spray version, making it quick, painless, and much easier for little ones.
Who qualifies, and when:
- Children aged 2 and 3 are eligible from September 2026 at your GP, or October at your local pharmacy
- Primary school children (Reception to Year 6) are vaccinated at school
- Secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11) are vaccinated at school
- Children aged 6 months to under 18 in clinical risk groups are eligible from September at your GP, or October at your local pharmacy
If your child is in a clinical risk group, it’s worth contacting your GP or visiting us at Newdays Pharmacy to make sure they’re vaccinated promptly at the start of the season.
For Pregnant Women
Vaccination helps protect both pregnant women and their babies from serious illness. The flu vaccine is safe at every stage of pregnancy, and it’s one of the most important things an expectant mother can do for both her own health and her baby’s.
Babies are born with some of their mother’s antibodies, giving them a degree of protection in those early weeks before they’re old enough to be vaccinated themselves.
Pregnant women are eligible from 1 September 2026, the earliest group in the entire NHS programme.
For Parents and Carers
Even if you’re healthy and of working age, catching flu can mean days off work, disrupted childcare, and the risk of passing a serious illness on to more vulnerable family members. Flu can affect schools, workplaces, care settings, households, and wider public services right across the UK.
If you’re the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, or you receive Carer’s Allowance, you may be eligible for a free NHS flu jab. It’s worth checking.
For Grandparents and Older Relatives
Adults aged 65 and over are among the highest priority groups for flu vaccination.
If you have elderly parents or grandparents in your life, gently encouraging them to get vaccinated could make a real difference to their health this winter. They can book through their GP, via the NHS App, or come straight to us at Newdays Pharmacy from October.
Make It a Family Habit
Think of the flu jab the same way you think about a car MOT or a boiler service, an annual essential that keeps things running smoothly.
It only takes a few minutes, and for most people, the only side effect is a slightly sore arm for a day or two.
This autumn, make protecting your family from flu part of your seasonal routine.
Newdays Pharmacy is here for the whole family. Come and see us this autumn for quick, friendly flu vaccination. No appointment needed for most eligible groups.
This article is for general information only. It’s not personal medical advice. To check your family’s eligibility or book a flu vaccination, please speak to our team at Newdays Pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children eligible for the NHS flu vaccination programme can include children aged 2 and 3, children of school age, and children aged 6 months to 17 years who are in certain clinical risk groups.
Eligibility can depend on your child’s age and individual circumstances. Newdays Pharmacy provides flu vaccination services at participating branches, subject to eligibility and availability.
For the 2026/27 flu season, vaccination for eligible children begins from 1 September 2026. Getting vaccinated before flu becomes widespread can help your child develop protection during the winter months.
If your child is eligible, check with your NHS vaccination provider or Newdays Pharmacy to find out about availability and booking arrangements.
Yes. Flu spreads easily between household members, and children can pass the virus to parents, grandparents and other family members. Vaccination helps reduce the risk of your child catching and spreading flu.
Keeping eligible family members vaccinated can therefore help reduce the spread of flu at home and provide additional protection for people who may be more vulnerable to complications.