Flu & COVID-19 Vaccinations from 1st October 2026: Book Now for Winter Protection

With winter approaching, now is the time to think about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly for older people, those with weakened immune systems and people with certain long-term health conditions. Seasonal vaccination can help reduce the risk of serious illness and provide protection during the winter months.

At Raylane Pharmacy Group, appointments are available to book now for the autumn vaccination programme.

✓ Book now for October appointments
✓ Convenient pharmacy appointments
✓ FREE NHS vaccination for eligible patients
✓ Protect yourself ahead of winter
✓ Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness in vulnerable people

FREE NHS Flu Vaccinations from 1st October

Flu vaccinations start 1st October – book your appointment now and protect yourself this winter.

For the 2026–2027 season, most eligible adults can receive their FREE NHS flu vaccination from 1st October 2026. This timing is confirmed by current NHS/UKHSA guidance.

Eligible groups include:

• Everyone aged 65 years and over
• Adults aged 18–64 in a clinical risk group
• People living in long-stay residential care
• Carers, including people receiving Carer’s Allowance or who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

There are additional eligible groups under the wider NHS flu programme, including pregnant women and eligible children, whose vaccination programme starts earlier.

Why Get Your Flu Jab?

Flu is more than a heavy cold. For vulnerable people, it can cause serious complications and may require hospital treatment.

Getting your flu vaccination ahead of the main winter flu season helps give your immune system time to build protection.

Appointments can be booked now for vaccinations from 1st October.

Book your flu vaccination

FREE NHS COVID-19 Vaccinations from October

COVID-19 vaccinations return from October. If you’re 75+, live in an older adult care home, or are immunosuppressed, book your vaccination now and get protected ahead of winter.

The eligibility criteria for the autumn 2026 NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme are more restricted than for flu.

Current government guidance confirms that the vaccination is being offered to people at higher risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19.

Eligible groups are:

• Adults aged 75 years and over
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• People aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

The autumn programme targets these groups because older people and those who are immunosuppressed face a greater risk of serious illness from COVID-19.

Book your COVID-19 vaccination

Eligible for Both Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations?

Eligible for both? Get protected against Flu AND COVID this winter – appointments available from 1st October.

Some patients will meet the eligibility criteria for both NHS vaccination programmes.

If this applies to you, don’t forget about one vaccination while arranging the other. Check your eligibility and book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in preparation for winter.

Book Your Winter Vaccinations Now

Don’t wait for winter illnesses to start circulating before thinking about protection.

Flu vaccinations start 1st October – book your appointment now and protect yourself this winter.

Book Flu Vaccination

Book COVID-19 Vaccination

Eligibility criteria are based on the NHS autumn 2026 vaccination programmes in England and may be subject to clinical assessment and national guidance.