Adults aged 65 and over will be offered the flu vaccine from October 1 (Image: Getty)
The NHS has confirmed that its next phase of the seasonal flu vaccination programme for adults aged 65 and over begins today, October 1.
From Thursday, people in England who fall into the next eligible group can receive their free NHS flu jab, helping them prepare for the colder months ahead. The vaccine is offered each autumn and early winter to groups considered more vulnerable to serious complications from flu. The programme began last month for children and pregnant women, while the October 1 expansion includes older adults and other eligible people.
Flu spreads more easily in winter, when people spend greater amounts of time indoors and in close proximity to one another. Although most people recover without complications, the infection can cause serious illness in those at higher risk. The NHS is therefore encouraging eligible people to arrange their flu vaccination from October 1.
NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have jointly confirmed that everyone aged 65 and over can receive the flu vaccine from today, October 1.
The October phase also covers people aged 18 to 65 who have an underlying clinical risk condition, residents of long-stay care homes, carers receiving Carer’s Allowance, people who live closely with someone who is immunocompromised, and frontline social care workers.
An earlier stage of the programme began on September 1 for pregnant women, children aged two or three on August 31, 2026, primary and secondary school pupils, and children aged from six months to under 18 years who are in a clinical risk group.
The NHS says flu activity usually reaches its highest point in December and January. Starting the adult vaccination campaign on October 1 is intended to ensure protection remains strong when the virus is most likely to be circulating.
Flu transmission among children generally rises before cases increase in adults, which is why the children’s vaccination programme begins earlier, on September 1. Protection from the vaccine also lasts “much longer” in children, meaning early vaccination could help lower infection levels among older adults through “indirect protection”.
The decision to begin the adult flu vaccination programme in October follows guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
In a letter confirming the 2026 to 2027 rollout, Dr Thomas Waite, England’s Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at UKHSA, and Caroline Temmink, Director of Vaccination at NHS England, said: “In line with the advice from JCVI, the start of the adult programme for 2026 to 2027 will continue to be 1 October.
“This date reflects evidence that the effectiveness of the flu vaccine wanes in adults, making it preferable to vaccinate people nearer to the period when flu is expected to circulate.
“As flu typically peaks in December or January, this timing will provide optimal protection during the period of greatest risk, including in seasons that begin early, as happened in 2025 to 2026.”
The NHS will contact eligible people during autumn or winter to explain when they can receive their flu jab. Vaccinations will be available through participating GP surgeries or pharmacies offering the NHS flu service.
Most vaccinations are expected to be completed by the end of November, giving as many people as possible protection before flu activity intensifies over winter.
Health and Social Care Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “Vaccinations are essential in protecting those most vulnerable to flu, while also helping to ease pressure on the NHS during the winter months.
“Everyone eligible for a free flu vaccination will be contacted by phone or letter. By coming forward, we can save lives, protect vulnerable people and help ensure the NHS is available to those who need it this winter.”
