Flu Vaccination 2026/27: When Should You Get Your Flu Jab?
September marks the start of the 2026/27 flu vaccination season for some groups in England, but not everyone is advised to have their flu vaccination at the same time. For most eligible adults, the NHS programme starts from 1 October 2026, while pregnant women and children are offered vaccination from September.
If you are looking for vaccination advice in Rochdale or Greater Manchester, Longeva Wellness provides pharmacist-led vaccination assessment from our Rochdale clinic.
Book a vaccination appointment or explore our flu vaccination service.
Why does the timing of your flu vaccination matter?
Flu vaccination is offered every year because circulating influenza viruses and vaccine recommendations change. Protection can also reduce over time. UK health authorities therefore aim to vaccinate most adults closer to the period when flu is expected to circulate most strongly.
For the 2026/27 season, the adult NHS programme is planned to begin for most eligible adults on 1 October 2026. Pregnant women and eligible children are exceptions and can be offered vaccination from September.
Who can get an NHS flu vaccination in 2026/27?
NHS eligibility includes a number of age and clinical-risk groups. From September, the programme includes pregnant women, eligible children and children in defined clinical-risk groups. From October, it expands to include people aged 65 and over, adults under 65 in defined clinical-risk groups, residents of long-stay care homes, certain carers, close contacts of immunocompromised people and specified frontline social care workers.
Eligibility rules are detailed and can change, so check the current NHS guidance rather than assuming that you are or are not eligible.
What if I am not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination?
Some people who are not eligible through the NHS choose private flu vaccination. Private vaccination is still subject to the vaccine's licensed use, clinical assessment and individual suitability.
At Longeva Wellness, our pharmacist will review relevant health information before vaccination and advise whether vaccination is appropriate for you.
Should pregnant women have the flu vaccination?
Flu vaccination is part of the NHS vaccination programme during pregnancy and can be given at any stage of pregnancy during the flu season. For 2026/27, pregnant women are among the groups offered NHS flu vaccination from September.
What happens at a flu vaccination appointment?
Your vaccination professional may ask about your medical history, allergies, medicines, previous vaccination reactions and how you are feeling on the day. This helps confirm that the vaccine being offered is appropriate for you.
Flu vaccination in Rochdale & Greater Manchester
Longeva Wellness is based at Unit 1 Chichester Court, Milnrow Road, Rochdale, OL16 1UG, supporting patients from Rochdale, Milnrow, Littleborough, Heywood, Middleton, Oldham, Bury, Manchester and surrounding Greater Manchester areas.
If you qualify for NHS flu vaccination, a free NHS route may be available to you. Private vaccination at Longeva Wellness is subject to clinical assessment, suitability and service availability.
Book your vaccination appointment
More flu and winter vaccination advice
Explore our Vaccination Clinic in Rochdale, compare flu, RSV and other winter vaccinations, or, if you are arranging vaccination for employees, see our workplace flu vaccination guide for Greater Manchester employers.
GPhC registered pharmacy: 9012378.
Vaccination recommendations and NHS eligibility can change. Information is based on current UK guidance at the time of publication and does not replace individual clinical assessment.
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