The flu season in England is in full swing, and many families still do not know that they may be entitled to the vaccine free of charge. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has set out who gets it on the NHS this year and from when.
From 1 September 2026, pregnant women, children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026, and all pupils from Reception to Year 11 can be vaccinated. Children and teenagers from 6 months to 18 years in a clinical risk group are also vaccinated free of charge.
From 1 October further groups were added: everyone aged 65+, adults aged 18 to 65 with chronic conditions on the risk list, care home residents, carers receiving Carer’s Allowance or the main carer of an elderly or disabled person, and close contacts of people with weakened immunity. Social care workers who do not have a vaccination programme through their employer also get the vaccine.
New this year: from 1 October some pharmacies can vaccinate children aged 2 to 18 in a risk group. From 1 December some pharmacies will also vaccinate pupils who missed their vaccination at school.
Most children receive the vaccine as a nasal spray; adults usually get an injection. If a child has a very blocked nose, the vaccination can be postponed.
What it means for you
For families with children, it is the simplest protection for the winter, free and usually without a GP visit – the school sends the consent form itself. For working parents, it means fewer days off when a child is ill. Pregnant women also protect their newborn. People aged 65+ and carers can go to a pharmacy or their GP.
Our assessment
We believe the school programme is one of the best-functioning NHS services. The problem is that the consent form is easy to miss, especially when parents have weaker English. It is worth checking school bags and emails from the school and, if you miss it, using the December option at a pharmacy.
What to do
- Check whether your child’s school has sent the vaccination consent form. If not, ask the school office.
- If you are in an eligible group and nobody has been in touch, call your GP or ask a pharmacist. Pregnant women can ask their midwife.
- You can check pharmacy appointments on the NHS: flu vaccinepage.
- Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have separate programmes – check the NHS website for your region, e.g. gov.wales.
Source: UKHSA blog: Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2026 flu vaccine (27.08.2026, updated September 2026).
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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