Flu, Covid, & RSV Autumn 2026
Flu, Covid & RSV Autumn 2026
Flu Vaccine Eligibility- Flu vaccine - NHS
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
The vaccine is given to patients during autumn and early winter.
You can get the flu vaccine at the practice if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- are pregnant
- are aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026 (school age children will receive their vaccine at school)
- live in a care home for older adults
- are immunosuppressed
- are aged 18-65 in a clinical risk group
- are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- a close contact of an immunocompromised individual
Booking your flu vaccine
Appointments for the flu vaccine begin from 1st September for pregnant women, aged 6 months to 17 years in an at risk group and 2 and 3 year olds.
Appointments for all other adult eligible groups begin from 1st October.
When are the clinics available to book?
We will text all patients with a mobile a link to book an appointment. Please don’t worry if you haven’t received one yet as we are busy organising the clinics for you.
All patients without a mobile will be contacted by the surgery by telephone.
We are planning clinics on the following dates- TBC
- Thursday 1st October
- Saturday 3rd October
- Saturday 10th October
- Saturday 17th October
- Thursday evenings from 1st October
Covid Vaccine- COVID-19 vaccine - NHS
If you are aged 75+ or immunosuppressed aged 6 months+, you are also eligible to receive a Covid vaccine this autumn. This can be administered at the same time as your flu vaccine.
RSV Vaccine Eligibility- RSV vaccine - NHS
The RSV vaccine will be offered to all patients aged 75 years and older (previously those aged 80+ were excluded)
From 1st September 2026 the eligibility has expanded to include those aged 65-74 years with either a Chronic Respiratory condition or are immunosuppressed.
Pregnant ladies more than 28 weeks gestation are also eligible, but this is typically given by the maternity team.
We will text eligible patients to book.
Do I need to be protected against the Pneumococcal infection?
Everybody aged 65 and over should now be immunised to help protect them against pneumococcal infection which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, septicaemia (blood poisoning) and meningitis. Please phone the surgery during September to make an appointment if the above applies to you.
Please see the NHS website for further information- Pneumococcal vaccine - NHS
Am I eligible for the Shingles vaccine?
From 1 September 2023 the vaccine programme is being offered to the following:
- healthy people 70 to 79 years of age who have not been vaccinated
- people from 50 years of age with a severley weakened immune system
- healthy people aged 60 to 70 years will become eligible for the vaccine over the next 5 years, when they turn 65 or 70 years of age
You will remain eligible for the shingles vaccine until your 80th birthday (unless you have a weakened immune system), but the sooner you have the vaccine the earlier you will be protected.
There are 2 shingles vaccines, Zostavax and Shingrix. Your GP practice or local pharmacy will advise which is the right vaccine for you. Please contact the surgery if you are unsure if you are eligible.
Please see the NHS website for further information- Shingles vaccine - NHS
RSV Vaccination
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common cause of coughs and colds. It usually gets better by itself, but it can be serious for some babies and older adults
You'll be able to get the vaccine if:
- you're aged 75 and older
- you're aged 65-74 years with either a Chronic Respiratory condition or immunsuppression (From 1st September 2026)
- you're 28 weeks pregnant or more – this will help protect your baby for the first few months after they're born (typicall done by your maternity service)
Please see the NHS website for further information- RSV vaccine - NHS
Page created: 15 June 2023