Seasonal Flu Vaccination 2025-26

Due to a high uptake of the flu vaccine early on in the flu season, most of our vaccine stock has now been used.

We may therefore direct you to the pharmacy to have your flu jab.

Flu (also known as influenza) is a highly infectious illness caused by the flu virus. It spreads rapidly through small droplets coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person.   For most people, flu is unpleasant but not serious. You will usually recover within a week.

Studies have shown that flu vaccines provide effective protection against the flu, although protection may not be complete and may vary between people. Protection from the vaccine gradually decreases and flu strains change over time. Therefore, new vaccines are made each year and people at risk of flu are encouraged to be vaccinated every year.

The flu vaccination is offered to people in at-risk groups. These people are at greater risk of developing serious complications if they catch flu, such as pregnant women and elderly people.

The NHS recommends flu vaccination for several groups: 

From 1 September 2025 

• pregnant women 
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 
• children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years) 
• primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6) 
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11) 
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years 

From 1 October 2025 

• everyone aged 65 years and over 
• individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions 
• care home residents 
• carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person 
• those living with people who are immunocompromised 
• frontline health and social care workers 

The NHS website contains further information on eligibility, but if you're unsure whether you're able to have a free vaccination you can consult your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist. If you’re pregnant you can also consult your midwife.