The NHS has confirmed that flu vaccinations are now open for seven specific groups of people in England, with eligibility starting from October 1, 2026. The health service will contact those who qualify, and booking is encouraged ahead of the winter flu season.
Who is eligible for the NHS flu jab from October 1?
The seven cohorts that become eligible from October 1, 2026, are: everyone aged 65 years and over; all adults in clinical risk groups from age 18 to under 65; residents of 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 people who are immunocompromised; rough sleepers and those using homeless hostels or night shelters aged 16 years and over; and frontline social care workers without access to an employer-led occupational health scheme.
Frontline social care workers covered include those working in registered residential care or nursing homes, domiciliary care, voluntary managed hospices, or personal assistants employed through direct payments or personal health budgets.
Why the flu jab matters this year
The NHS emphasised the seriousness of flu, stating: "Flu is far more than a bad cold. It can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, worsen existing health conditions, and in severe cases lead to hospitalisation or death." The vaccine is updated annually because the flu virus changes each year, so it is important to get vaccinated even if you had the vaccine last year.
The NHS said: "If you're eligible, the NHS will usually contact you to tell you when you can book. For parents of most school-aged children this will be via their school. If you think you're eligible but don’t hear anything, speak to your GP practice, pharmacist, or, if you're pregnant, your midwife."
Best time to get vaccinated and recent flu activity
The best time to get vaccinated is in autumn or early winter, before flu starts spreading widely. If you miss this window, it's still worth getting vaccinated later, as flu activity can continue throughout winter.
Last December, just before Christmas, the World Health Organization said that 27 out of 38 countries in its European region had high or very high levels of flu. Dr Hans Henri Kluge, the WHO regional director for Europe, said a new strain of flu was driving infections and "now accounts for up to 90% of all confirmed influenza cases in the European region". France’s national public health agency, Santé publique, also reported flu activity "increasing strongly" in metropolitan France.
Dr Kluge said: "Flu comes around every winter, but this year is a little different. It shows how just a small genetic variation in the flu virus can place enormous pressure on our health systems." He added: "It’s vital in the current climate to seek credible information from trusted sources like national health agencies and the WHO. In a challenging flu season, trustworthy, evidence-based information can be lifesaving."
The NHS contact for eligible groups begins from October 1, 2026, with booking advised as soon as possible to protect against the upcoming flu season.
