Flu Vaccination Programme 2026-27
This year, GP practices and pharmacies across the UK have been affected by national flu vaccine supply issues following manufacturing delays and vaccine batch failures from some major suppliers.
As a result, our previously ordered vaccines were cancelled, and like many GP practices, we have worked hard to source alternative supplies.
NHS England has planned for the adult flu vaccination programme to begin from 1 October 2026. This follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises that starting vaccinations later helps ensure the best possible protection during the peak flu season in December and January.
Despite these challenges, we have actively worked with suppliers to secure vaccine stock and are planning our first flu & Covid vaccination clinic on 16 October.
We will invite eligible patients at the earliest opportunity and appreciate your patience and understanding.
Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?
From 1 September 2026:
• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
• primary school and secondary school-aged children (from reception to year 11)
• (individuals 17 years and over attending a special education needs (SEN) school and who are in a clinical risk group may also be vaccinated alongside their peers)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter)
From 1 October 2026:
• those aged 65 years and over
• those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter)
• those in long-stay residential 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 immunocompromised individuals
• frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets), or Personal Health budgets, such as personal assistants
We will contact eligible patients directly when appointments become available.
Thank you for your patience and support as we work to deliver this important vaccination programme safely and efficiently.
COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect against COVID-19, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness for some people. It’s usually offered on the NHS in spring and early winter to people who need extra protection from COVID-19.
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026 and we are contacting eligible patients to book their vaccination appointment at the Practice.
From 1 October 2026, you may also be able to get vaccinated at:
- a walk-in COVID-19 vaccination site
- a local service, such as a community pharmacy or your GP surgery
- your care home (if you live in a care home for older adults)
If you’re eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.