NHS urges eligible residents to get protected against flu and COVID-19 this winter

People across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent can get their free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines from 1 October 2026.

From 1 October, the free NHS flu vaccine is available to people aged 65 and over, people aged 18 to 64 with certain health conditions, care home residents, eligible carers and close contacts of people with weakened immune systems and eligible frontline health and social care workers.

For the first time, people experiencing homelessness aged 16 and over are also eligible for a free vaccine, offering important protection from flu infection to those sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters. The NHS is working with local partners to help ensure people experiencing homelessness can access the vaccination and get protected this winter.

Pregnant women can have their free flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, while children aged 2 to 3 and those in Reception to Year 11 are also eligible.

Matthew Missen, Public Health Consultant for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “In winter we see flu and COVID-19 spreading more people which can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and those living with certain health conditions. I will be getting vaccinated this winter and would encourage everyone that is eligible to get their flu vaccine when invited.

“We have already started to see people coming into hospital, with flu and COVID-19, a reminder that these viruses are circulating and can cause serious illness. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself this winter, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, while also protecting those around you.

“This year, we are particularly pleased to see the flu vaccination extended to people experiencing homelessness. This is an important step in making sure people who may face further hardship over the cold winter months have better access to flu vaccination and healthcare that can provide vital protection during the cold winter months.

“To improve access for eligible people there are also local walk-in vaccination clinics available, making it easier for you to get your flu vaccine protection this winter. I’d encourage people to check their eligibility, book an appointment when invited, or visit a walk-in clinic near you. Where appropriate, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be safely given at the same appointment making it easier to get fully protected for winter.”

Health and care workers can also get protected against flu

Frontline health and social care workers should normally receive their flu vaccination through their employer. Those unable to access vaccination through their employer can get a free NHS flu vaccine through their GP surgery, participating pharmacy, online via the National Booking Service or on the NHS App.

Getting your flu vaccine

Most eligible people can get their flu vaccine from 1 October through their GP surgery or, 2–3-year-olds and 2-17 at risk children and anyone eligible aged 18 or over, at a participating pharmacy. Appointments can also be booked online or through the NHS App.

School-aged children will be invited for flu vaccinations at school clinics between September and December. Children who miss their school vaccination can access catch-up arrangements through the School Age Immunisation Service.

The flu vaccine can often be given at the same time as your COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccination also launches from 1 October

The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme also gets underway from 1 October, helping protect those at highest risk of serious illness.

The COVID-19 vaccine is available to adults aged 75 and over, people living in care homes for older adults, and people aged six months to 74 who are immunosuppressed.

Most eligible people can get their COVID-19 vaccine from 1 October through their GP surgery, a participating pharmacy or at walk-in clinics. Appointments can also be booked online or through the NHS App.

Eligible residents are encouraged to come forward as soon as they are invited, to ensure they have protection in place ahead of the winter months.

COVID-19 vaccination walk in clinics in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are listed here.

COVID-19 walk in clinics in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin will be listed here.

For more information about the flu vaccine, who is eligible and how to get vaccinated, visit: nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, who is eligible and how to get vaccinated, visit: nhs.uk/vaccinations/COVID-19-vaccine/