Newdays Pharmacy · 1st September 2026 · 4 min read
Reviewed by a GPhC-registered Pharmacist at Newdays Pharmacy | Published: 2026 | Book an appointment
If you’re living with a long-term health condition, flu season isn’t just an inconvenience it can be a genuine health risk. At Newdays Pharmacy, we want to make sure that everyone in our community who needs protection this winter knows exactly what’s available to them and how to access it.
Don’t wait: If you have a long-term health condition, you’re eligible for a free NHS flu jab.
Why Are People with Long-Term Conditions at Higher Risk?
When the flu virus enters the body, it triggers an immune response. For most healthy adults, that response is enough to fight the infection within a week or two. But for people with underlying health conditions, the picture is more complicated.
It can directly worsen many conditions for example, triggering an asthma attack, causing dangerous fluctuations in blood sugar for people with diabetes, or putting severe strain on a heart already working harder than it should. The immune systems of people with certain conditions may also be less effective at fighting the virus, leading to longer, more severe illness and a much higher risk of complications like pneumonia.
This is precisely why the NHS prioritises people with long-term conditions for free vaccination every year.
Which Conditions Make You Eligible?
The NHS defines eligibility based on clinical risk. If you have any of the following, you qualify for a free jab:
Respiratory conditions
- Asthma requiring a steroid inhaler or tablets
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Cystic fibrosis
- Bronchiectasis or other chronic lung disease
Cardiovascular conditions
- Chronic heart disease, including heart failure, coronary heart disease, or congenital heart disease
- History of stroke or TIA (transient ischaemic attack)
Metabolic conditions
- Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
- Addison’s disease or other adrenal insufficiency
Kidney and liver conditions
- Chronic kidney disease (stage 3 or above)
- Chronic liver disease, including cirrhosis or hepatitis
Neurological conditions
- Stroke or TIA
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy requiring medication
- Learning disabilities
Immune system conditions
- A weakened immune system due to a health condition (e.g. HIV, lupus)
- A weakened immune system due to treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, long-term steroids, immunosuppressants)
Other
- Morbid obesity (BMI of 40 or above)
- Splenic dysfunction or asplenia (absent or non-functioning spleen)
This list isn’t exhaustive. If you have a condition not listed here and are unsure whether you qualify, please speak to our pharmacist or your GP.
How Flu Can Affect Specific Conditions
Asthma and COPD – Respiratory viruses like flu are one of the leading triggers for asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups (exacerbations). A flare-up can require emergency treatment, hospitalisation, and in serious cases, mechanical ventilation. Vaccination significantly reduces this risk.
Diabetes – Flu causes physiological stress, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels making diabetes much harder to manage during illness. People with diabetes who catch flu are also more likely to develop diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a potentially life-threatening complication.
Heart disease – Research consistently shows that flu infection increases the short-term risk of heart attack and stroke, particularly in those already living with cardiovascular disease. The flu jab has been shown to reduce the risk of heart attack in people with heart disease.
Weakened immune system – For people on immunosuppressant medication whether for autoimmune conditions, organ transplants, or cancer treatment, flu can cause prolonged, severe illness and greatly increases the risk of dangerous secondary infections
When and Where to Get Vaccinated
If you have a long-term health condition, you’re eligible from 1 September 2026 one of the earliest groups in this year’s programme. You don’t need to wait for a letter or a GP invitation.
At Newdays Pharmacy:
- Walk in or call ahead, no GP referral needed
- Our pharmacists are experienced in advising patients with complex health needs
- We can also discuss your COVID-19 vaccination eligibility and co-administer if appropriate
Managing Your Winter Health Alongside Vaccination
Vaccination is the most important step, but there are other things you can do to protect yourself this winter:
- Keep up with your regular medications, don’t let prescriptions lapse over the winter period
- Know your action plan, if you have asthma or COPD, make sure your written action plan is up to date
- Stay warm, cold air can worsen respiratory conditions
- Wash hands regularly, basic hygiene reduces transmission of all respiratory viruses
- Know when to seek help, if you develop flu symptoms and have a long-term condition, contact your GP early rather than waiting to see if things improve
Visit Newdays Pharmacy This Autumn
Living with a long-term health condition means you have enough to manage, the last thing you need is a preventable bout of flu making things worse. Let us help you stay protected.
Your jab is free, fast, and available now. Come and see us at Newdays Pharmacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
People with certain long-term health conditions can be at greater risk of serious complications from flu. Getting your flu jab can help reduce your risk of catching flu and becoming seriously unwell.
Newdays Pharmacy provides flu vaccinations at participating branches, helping eligible patients protect themselves during the 2026/27 flu season.
Conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease and some neurological conditions can increase the risk of complications from flu.
If you have a long-term health condition, speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional to find out whether you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccination.
The flu vaccine is designed to reduce your risk of catching influenza. If you do develop flu, vaccination may also reduce the risk of severe illness and complications, although it cannot guarantee complete protection.
This is particularly important for people with certain long-term health conditions, who may be more vulnerable to serious flu-related complications.
It is generally best to get vaccinated when the seasonal flu vaccination programme begins, giving your body time to develop protection before flu becomes widespread. Eligible people can still benefit from vaccination later in the season.
The 2026/27 NHS adult flu vaccination programme begins on 1 October 2026, while vaccination for pregnant women and children starts from 1 September.
Newdays Pharmacy offers flu vaccinations at participating branches, subject to eligibility and availability.