Pregnant women and all children aged two to 16 years are eligible for the flu vaccine, expanding to those aged six months to 18 years in clinical risk groups.
Most school-aged children will receive their flu nasal spray vaccinations at school, but children aged 2-3 can also get the spray vaccine at their GP practice or at some local pharmacies. Younger children in clinical risk groups can have their vaccine at their GP practice.
Book a flu vaccination at a pharmacyPregnant women should speak to their maternity team to receive the flu jab, or contact their local GP practice or a pharmacy.
As well as children and pregnant women, from October the flu vaccination is being offered to everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff
Alongside the flu jab, from 1 October COVID-19 vaccinations are also available to adults aged 75 and over, older adult care home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed.
For adults eligible for both vaccines the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, providing protection from both viruses in one visit.
Appointments for COVID-19 vaccinations will be available until Friday 30 January 2026, with flu jabs offered until the end of March 2026, in line with the typical seasons for the viruses.
The NHS National Booking System is now open for all eligible individuals to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments starting from Wednesday 1 October.
Book a COVID vaccinationThe flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter by helping protect those at risk from getting seriously ill, particularly during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Dr Eleanor Powers, Head of Public Health Commissioning (Immunisation) for NHS England – East of England, said: “You can get seriously ill from flu and COVID-19. Every year these illnesses cause tens of thousands of people in the East of England to be hospitalised.
“Our best defence against these nasty viruses is vaccination, so to protect you and your loved ones, I urge mums-to-be, parents of young children and teens, and others eligible to come forward or book appointments for your jabs as soon possible.”
The NHS is sending out millions of invitations across the country this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but they do not need to wait for an invitation to book. Those eligible can book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119.
Those eligible are being urged to take up the offer as soon as they can to ensure protection ahead of the peak winter virus season, with evidence from UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) suggesting the flu season usually peaks in December and January. This means starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.
Wendy Matthews, Chief Midwife for NHS England – East of England, said: “The best protection you can give your baby from the moment they are born is getting vaccinated while you are pregnant, as this passes on extra protection to them and helps keep you safe during pregnancy.
“The NHS recommends vaccinations against flu, whooping cough and RSV for pregnant women, with all proven to be safe for mothers and their babies.
“With flu jabs now available for women at any stage of their pregnancy, now is the time for mums-to-be to act to make sure their babies are protected ahead of their first few months this winter, with whooping cough vaccines available from 20 weeks and RSV from 28 weeks.”
Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards can access the RSV jab through their maternity services, or alongside older adults aged 75, via their local GP practice.
The RSV vaccine is delivered year-round and can be given at the same time as the COVID-19 vaccine, but it is recommended to be given separately to the flu vaccine for greater effectiveness.