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UK 2026 seasonal flu vaccination programme

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-31 23:54 UTC → 2026-09-09 10:30 UTC · added removed

The UK is preparing for the NHS autumn 2026 flu vaccination season with expanded eligibility and access. Starting programme has officially commenced in England. As of 1 September 2026, pregnant women can access free vaccines through the NHS. The NHS also recommends maternal vaccinations for whooping cough and RSV to protect newborns. New updates for September, the season include expanded pharmacy access rollout is underway for children in clinical risk groups aged 2 to 18 starting 1 October 2026, and the inclusion of individuals aged 16 and over experiencing homelessness in the national programme. General eligibility for pregnant women. Other high-risk groups—including those aged 65 and adults in clinical risk groups also begins on 1 October. Retailer Boots will over, individuals with long-term health conditions, care home residents, and carers—are scheduled to begin its first wave of NHS flu receiving vaccinations on from 1 September, focusing on high-risk groups such as October. For pregnant women and young children, with women, the childhood programme available at over 140 selected locations. A broader rollout for offers routine vaccinations against influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and whooping cough. These measures are designed to transfer maternal antibodies to unborn babies to protect them against life-threatening diseases immediately after birth. While COVID-19 vaccines are no longer routinely offered to all pregnant women, those meeting specific immunosuppression criteria remain eligible. Additionally, an autumn COVID-19 booster programme has launched following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI). Eligibility is consistent across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, targeting adults aged 18 to 64 with long-term health conditions 75 and those over, care home residents, and individuals aged 65 6 months and over is scheduled for 1 October. Boots also reported a 20 per cent year-on-year increase in flu jab bookings. As of late August, the NHS rollout in England is set older who are immunosuppressed. This booster initiative aims to commence for children mitigate risks of severe illness and pregnant women on 1 September. hospitalisation as immunity from previous doses wanes. Vaccinations will continue to be administered via through GP surgeries, maternity services, care homes, and pharmacies. pharmacies such as Boots. School-aged children typically receive the vaccine as a nasal spray in schools, while GP practices contact parents of two- and three-year-olds will be contacted by GP practices. The program follows a previous winter where approximately 19 million people were vaccinated, a measure that helped prevent an estimated 104,000 hospital admissions. three-year-olds.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-09 10:30 UTC UK 2026 seasonal flu vaccination programme
  2. 2026-08-31 23:54 UTC UK 2026 seasonal flu vaccination programme
  3. 2026-08-29 12:09 UTC UK 2026 seasonal flu vaccination programme

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