The NHS has confirmed that some patients will have to wait until November for their flu jab, even though vaccinations are scheduled to start on Tuesday, September 1. The announcement clarifies which groups are eligible for the free flu vaccination this autumn and winter, and when they can expect to receive it.
Staggered start dates for flu vaccinations
While some people become eligible for the flu jab on September 1, and others on October 1, the NHS has stated that certain groups will not receive their vaccination until November. The delay is part of a planned rollout designed to protect as many people as possible ahead of the colder months.
According to the NHS, for adults and children eligible for the national vaccination programme, and all frontline health and social care workers, the majority of vaccinations should be completed by the end of November. The NHS explained: "This is to ensure that as many as possible are protected ahead of the winter months."
Which groups may face November wait
The groups that may have to wait until November include:
- Schools
- Long-stay residential care homes
- Frontline health workers
The NHS stated that all schools should have a first visit by the end of November, with second visits completed by 11 December 2026. Catch-up opportunities should also be provided through a range of well-publicised community clinics, accessible throughout the season. Additional school visits and community clinics may be considered beyond 11 December 2026 to improve vaccination uptake.
Vaccination continues beyond November
The NHS also emphasised that vaccination should still be offered after the end of November, as there is often flu activity in late winter. "Vaccination after November is also important for those who have just become eligible for the national programme, such as those who have become pregnant or been diagnosed in an eligible clinical risk group," the NHS said. Vaccinations can be given up until 31 March.
For long-stay residential care homes, the NHS stressed: "It is important that by the end of November, all those resident in long-stay residential care homes should have been offered a vaccination." Employers should also ensure all frontline health care workers are offered a vaccine by the end of November.
