Who Can Get the Free Flu Jab in England This Winter and Why It Starts Early
England’s flu vaccination programme for the 2026-27 winter runs in two waves. From 1 September, millions of children and pregnant women can receive the free NHS flu vaccine. Adults aged 65 and over, along with other eligible groups, join the rollout from 1 October. NHS England says the staggered start is deliberate: flu usually peaks in December and January, and children in particular spread the virus quickly.
Why children and pregnant women go first
Both groups carry a higher risk of serious illness from flu. NHS England notes that thousands of children need hospital care every winter because of the virus, and pregnancy also raises the chance of becoming seriously ill. Vaccinating children early reduces transmission to babies, grandparents and other vulnerable people.
Most school-age children will be offered the nasal spray at school. Parents of two- and three-year-olds, and parents of children with clinical risk conditions, will be invited to book through a GP practice. Pregnant women can have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, either through their maternity team, a GP surgery or a participating pharmacy.
The vaccine itself has changed this season. The BBC reported that the jab has been updated to better match a mutated strain called subclade K, sometimes described as Super-K, which hit early last winter. This year’s vaccine includes a tweak aimed at that strain. Most adults receive an injection, while most children get the nasal spray.
Who qualifies for a free jab
The free NHS vaccine is available to:
- people aged 65 or over, including those who turn 65 by 31 March 2027
- adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
- pregnant women
- care home residents
- main carers for older or disabled people, or people receiving carer’s allowance
- people living with someone who has a weakened immune system
- people experiencing homelessness or staying in a hostel or night shelter
- frontline health and social care workers, according to NHS England
The Independent notes the children’s vaccine is recommended for two- and three-year-olds, four-year-olds who have not started school, school children from Reception to Year 11, and children aged six months to 17 years with certain long-term conditions.
How to book
Appointments are available through GP surgeries, pharmacies offering the NHS flu vaccine, maternity services, care homes and, in some cases, employers. Adults aged 18 or over can book online or through the NHS App. The BBC said people in the later-stage eligible groups should receive an invitation by phone or post from October.
What the programme is expected to achieve
NHS England estimates that about 104,000 hospitalisations were avoided last winter and that nearly 19 million people in England were vaccinated. The rollout arrives as the NHS regroups from what the BBC described as its busiest summer on record. For people who do not qualify for a free vaccine, a private flu jab generally costs between £10 and £20, according to reports.