Why Autumn is the Best Time to Book your Flu Vaccine

As the days become shorter and the weather turns cooler, flu season is just around the corner. If you’re eligible for a flu vaccine, booking your appointment in autumn is one of the best ways to prepare for the winter months.

In this blog, we’ll explain why autumn is the ideal time to get vaccinated, who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, and what you can expect at your appointment.

What are the benefits of the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine helps protect you against flu, a highly contagious viral infection than can cause symptoms such as a high temperature, aching body, tiredness, cough and sore throat. For some people, flu can lead to serious illness.

After vaccination, it takes around two weeks for your immune system to fully develop its protective response. Booking your appointment in autumn gives your body time to build this protection before flu begins spreading more widely. Vaccination can also help reduce the risk of flu disrupting work, family life or winter plans, while helping to protect those who may be more vulnerable.

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine in 2026/27?

The NHS offers a free flu vaccine to eligible groups during the 2026/27 flu vaccination programme. Some groups are eligible from 1st September, while others become eligible from 1st October.

The following groups are eligible from the 1st September 2026:

• Pregnant women
• All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2026
• Primary school and secondary school-aged children (from reception to year 11), individuals 17 years and over attending a special education needs (SEN) school and who are in a clinical risk group may also be vaccinated alongside their peers
• All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter)

The following groups are eligible from the 1st October 2026:

• Those aged 65 years and over
• Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter)
• Those in long-stay residential care homes
• Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• People experiencing homelessness aged 16 years and over
• Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer-led occupational health scheme, including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets), or Personal Health budgets, such as personal assistants.

Flu tends to circulate earlier in children than in adults, which is why the children’s vaccination programme begins earlier. Some adults may be eligible for vaccination from 1 September following clinical assessment, for example people who are due to start immunosuppressive treatment such as chemotherapy. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible, your GP practice or vaccination provider will be able to advise you.

What happens during a flu vaccine appointment?

Flu vaccination appointments are quick and straightforward. Before your vaccination, you’ll be asked a few questions to make sure the vaccine is suitable for you and to check for any allergies or previous reactions.

The vaccine is given as a small injection into your upper arm, and most appointments take less than five minutes. You can usually return to your normal activities straight afterwards. Some people experience mild side effects such as a sore arm, a slight temperature or feeling a little tired for a day or two. These effects are common and usually settle quickly.

Can you get a flu vaccine later in the season?

Yes. If you don’t manage to have your vaccination in the autumn, it’s still worthwhile getting vaccinated later in the flu season while flu is circulating.

However, booking in autumn gives you the best opportunity to be protected before flu becomes widespread.

Protect yourself this winter

Flu is more than just a heavy cold. For some people it can lead to serious illness and hospital admission.

A flu vaccination is a quick and simple way to help protect yourself and those around you throughout the winter months. If you’re eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, booking your appointment in the autumn gives you the best chance of staying well throughout the season.

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About Teladoc Health UK

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