Your guide to who’s eligible for the autumn 2026 flu vaccine  

https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/08/27/your-guide-to-whos-eligible-for-the-autumn-2026-flu-vaccine/ Flu season is approaching, and some people can already book their free NHS flu vaccine. Here's everything you need to know about who can get vaccinated this year and what's changed since last autumn. What's new for autumn 2026? There are 2 notable changes this year. First, some community pharmacies will be able to offer flu vaccinations to more children. Last year, some community pharmacies offered flu vaccines to 2- and 3- year olds for the first time. From 1 October 2026, some pharmacies can also vaccinate children aged 2 years to less than 18 years who are in clinical risk groups. This runs alongside the existing offer given in schools and GP practices, which starts from 1 September 2026. From 1 December 2026, some pharmacies will also help catch up any school-aged children who missed their vaccination via the schools teams. These changes are designed to help make it easier for families to access the vaccine at a time and place that suits them. Second, rough sleepers and those using homeless hostels or night-shelters, aged 16 years and over, are now included in the national flu prog...