Flu Vaccinations 2026: Who's Eligible and When to Get Yours

Flu might sound like a bad cold, but it can make you seriously unwell. For some people, particularly older adults, pregnant women and those with certain long-term health conditions, flu can lead to complications and hospital admission.

Getting vaccinated each year is one of the best ways to protect yourself and those around you.

At Millers Pharmacy, we offer FREE NHS flu vaccinations for eligible patients, as well as private flu vaccinations for just £19.99 for those who aren't eligible through the NHS.

Why do I need a flu vaccine every year?

Flu viruses change over time, which means the vaccine is updated each year to provide protection against the strains expected to be circulating that winter.

Protection from your previous flu vaccination also reduces over time. This is why an annual vaccination is recommended, even if you had your flu vaccine last year.

Who can get a free NHS flu vaccine?

For the 2026/27 flu season, free NHS flu vaccinations are available to a number of groups, including:

• People aged 65 and over

• Pregnant women

• People with certain long-term health conditions

• People living in long-stay residential care homes

• People receiving Carer's Allowance, or those who are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person

• People who live with someone who has a weakened immune system

• Eligible frontline social care workers

Most eligible adults can receive their NHS flu vaccination from 1 October 2026, while pregnant women can receive theirs from 1 September 2026.

Can children get their flu vaccine at a pharmacy?

Yes. The NHS flu vaccination service through community pharmacies is expanding to include eligible children.

From 1 October 2026, participating pharmacies can vaccinate:

• 2-3 year olds

• Children aged 2 to under 18 years in a clinical risk group

  
  

From 1 December 2026, pharmacies can also vaccinate school-aged children who missed the opportunity to have their flu vaccination through their school vaccination service.

What if I'm not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

You can still choose to protect yourself.

At Millers Pharmacy, our private flu vaccination costs just £19.99, making it an affordable option for anyone who isn't covered by the NHS programme.

You may want to consider a private vaccination if you aren't NHS eligible but want to reduce your chances of becoming unwell with flu or passing it on to family, friends or colleagues.

Can the flu vaccine give me flu?

No. The injected flu vaccine cannot give you flu.

Some people experience mild side effects after vaccination, such as a sore arm, headache, aching muscles or a slightly raised temperature. These are generally mild and usually settle within a day or two.

When is the best time to get vaccinated?

For most adults, the NHS flu vaccination programme begins from 1 October 2026.

It is worth getting vaccinated when you become eligible rather than waiting until flu starts circulating widely. It takes around two weeks for your immune response to develop following vaccination.

Flu commonly circulates during the autumn and winter months, but getting vaccinated later in the season can still provide valuable protection.

Can I have my flu vaccine if I'm pregnant?

Yes. The flu vaccination is recommended during pregnancy and can be given at any stage of pregnancy.

Pregnancy can increase the risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu. Vaccination helps protect the mother and also provides some protection to the baby during the first few months after birth.

Pregnant women are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination.

Who shouldn't have a flu vaccine?

Most people can safely receive a flu vaccination.

However, you should tell the pharmacist before your vaccination if you have previously had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or any of its ingredients, or if you are currently unwell with a high temperature.

Your pharmacist will check that the vaccination is suitable for you before it is given.

Book your 2026 flu vaccination

Protect yourself and those around you this flu season.

FREE NHS flu vaccinations are available for eligible patients.

Not eligible? Our private flu vaccination is only £19.99.

Find Your Nearest Flu Clinic