Protect Yourself and Others this Flu Season – Get Your Free NHS Flu Jab 2025/26

Posted by: Joanne - Posted on:

What is the Flu Vaccine?

Flu (influenza) is more than just a bad cold. It spreads easily and can lead to serious illness, hospitalisation, or even death — particularly for people who are more vulnerable. Each year the flu virus strains change, so protecting yourself with an annual flu vaccine is the best defence.

Who Can Get the Free NHS Flu Vaccine

From Autumn 2025, the following groups are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination:

From 1 September 2025:

  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
  • Primary school children (Reception through Year 6) – these vaccines will be given by the school nurses
  • Secondary school children (Years 7 to 11) – these vaccines will be given by the school nurses
  • Children (6 months to under 18) in clinical risk groups

From 1 October 2025:

  • Everyone aged 65 years or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
  • Adults (18-64) with certain long-term health conditions
  • Residents in care homes
  • Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or who are the main carers of elderly or disabled persons
  • People living with severely immunocompromised individuals
  • Frontline health & social care workers

If you’re unsure whether you qualify, you can contact the practice.

When Can You Get Vaccinated?

  • Eligible children and pregnant women can start from 1 September 2025.
  • All other eligible adults: vaccine appointments available from 1 October 2025.
  • The programme runs until 31 March 2026, but most vaccinations are expected to be delivered by end November 2025—this gives the best protection going into the winter months.

How & Where to Get It

If you are registered at Woodfield Medical Centre appointments are now available for booking by calling the reception desk or if you have received a text message using the booking link attached to the message.

Alternatively many participating pharmacies are offering the NHS flu jab

What Vaccine Types Will Be Used

  • The vaccine types recommended will differ by age and risk group. For example, adults will receive recombinant inactivated vaccine to ensure stronger protection.
  • For children, nasal spray (live attenuated vaccine) is often used, when suitable.

Safety & Side Effects

  • The flu vaccine is safe. Side effects are usually mild, and far less serious than influenza itself. Common mild side effects include soreness at the injection site, a slight fever, tiredness. For the nasal spray, maybe runny or blocked nose or mild discomfort. UK Health Security Agency Blog+1
  • If you have had a serious allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine, or to an ingredient in the vaccine, speak to your GP/health professional.