The NHS autumn/winter 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme runs from 1 October 2026 to 31 January 2027, with bookings open now via the NHS national booking service or the NHS App.

Key Programme Dates

• Bookings: Open now.
• Vaccinations start: 1 October 2026.
• Programme ends: 31 January 2027.
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Who is Eligible?

In line with Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advice, the autumn 2026 booster is offered to people at higher risk of serious illness:

• Adults aged 75 years and over (including those turning 75 by 30 June 2027).
• Residents in a care home for older adults.
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Where to Get Vaccinated

From 1 October 2026, eligible individuals can receive their vaccine at:

• Local community pharmacies.
• Walk-in COVID-19 vaccination sites.

What to do:

Book your appointment via the NHS national booking service or the NHS App.

Who should have the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
• are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter

When can I get the flu vaccine

Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2026.

Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2026.

Beacon Flu Appointments

We have not yet received our vaccines so are unable to start vaccinating those patients in the first group.

We plan to start the majority of the vaccinating in early October and will open our appointments up for booking when we have a confirmed delivery date for the vaccines.

Appointment Availability

These will be made available shortly.