Flu Campaign 2026/27

The Station Practice regrets to advise patients that we will be unable to provide adult flu vaccinations during the 2026/27 flu season.

This follows the unexpected cancellation of our vaccine order by our supplier shortly before the start of the vaccination programme. Despite the practice planning and ordering vaccines in readiness for the season, the supplier's decision means we are no longer able to obtain the stock required to provide the service.

Patients eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination are advised to contact their local community pharmacy to arrange vaccination.

Children who are eligible to receive their flu vaccine through the practice will still be vaccinated at The Station Practice. Invitations will be sent to eligible families shortly.

We share our patients' disappointment and are sorry for the inconvenience this situation may cause. The cancellation of the vaccine supply was outside of the practice's control.

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

From 1 September 2026:

• Pregnant Women: The flu vaccine for pregnant women is highly recommended at any stage of pregnancy. It protects both you and your developing baby.
• Young Children: All children aged 2 or 3 years old (on the 31st of August 2026) are eligible.
• School-Aged Children: The flu vaccine for children covers primary and secondary school pupils, from Reception all the way up to Year 11.
• High-Risk Youth: Children aged 6 months to under 18 years who have specific underlying clinical risk groups.

From the 1st of October 2026 the eligibility criteria expand significantly to include the wider adult population:

• Older Adults: The flu vaccine for over 65s covers anyone aged 65 and over (including those turning 65 by the 31st of March 2027).
• Clinical Risk Groups: Adults aged 18 to under 65 who suffer from certain long-term health conditions.
• Care Home Residents: Individuals living in long-stay residential care homes.
• Carers and Close Contacts: Those receiving a carer’s allowance, main carers for disabled individuals, and close contacts of immunocompromised people.
• Frontline Workers: Specific social care and healthcare workers who do not have an employer-led occupational health scheme.

🏠 Housebound patients

If you are housebound and eligible for a flu vaccination, you will be contacted directly by the vaccination provider to arrange a home visit.

💉 Why get vaccinated? Protect yourself and others by getting your flu vaccine.

• Reduces your risk of serious flu illness
• Helps protect vulnerable people around you
• Keeps you well through the winter

💉 How to get vaccinated? 

Book online

Use the NHS booking service to find a participating pharmacy or vaccination provider near you: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

Book by phone

If you cannot book online, call 119 free of charge for help booking your flu vaccination appointment.

Easy-read flu information

The NHS has produced helpful easy-read resources explaining the flu vaccine and how to stay well during winter, available here

Adult and children's flu vaccine information is available here.

What is flu?

Flu is a highly infectious disease. The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. For most healthy people, a bad bout of flu is worse than a heavy cold usually requiring someone to spend a few days in bed. However, serious infections, especially in those with underlying health conditions, although less common, can lead to hospitalisation, permanent disability and even death.

What causes flu?

Flu is caused by viruses that are spread from person to person. They infect the respiratory system, where they can lead to pneumonia and other complications. The viruses are constantly changing and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.

How is flu spread?

Flu is spread by coughs and sneezes that propel infected droplets of saliva or nasal secretions into the air which are then breathed in by others. The disease is also spread by people touching surfaces that the droplets have landed on and then touching their mouth, nose or eyes. This is why frequent hand washing or using an antiseptic hand rub is so important during the winter flu season.

How can I avoid catching flu?

It’s quite hard to avoid because people may be able to pass the virus on to others a day or so before symptoms start to show (as well as up to seven days after), so they won’t know if they are spreading the virus or not. So it’s very hard to avoid contact with people infected with the flu virus. And, of course, members of your family can always bring it into the home.

You can also wash your hands regularly but this won’t stop you catching the disease by breathing in the infected droplets in the air. The best way to help avoid getting flu is by having the vaccination.

Why is flu more serious for me if I am an older person?

The risk of serious illness from flu and consequent hospitalisation and death is higher among those aged 65 years and older as they are more likely to have an underlying health problem and the immune system does not work as well. The best way for people at risk from flu to protect themselves is to get the flu vaccine.

Why do underlying health conditions or pregnancy make it more serious for someone who gets flu?

You are at particular risk of severe illness if you get flu and have an underlying health condition, or are pregnant. This means that you are more likely to be admitted to hospital or on rare occasions be admitted to intensive care and even potentially die.

Will I be completely protected by the vaccination?

By having the vaccination you will be significantly reducing your risk of getting flu but no vaccine offers 100% protection.

Will I get any side effects?

There are some fairly common but mild side effects. Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. Any other reactions are very rare. Serious side effects in children are uncommon but many develop a runny or blocked nose, headache, general tiredness and some loss of appetite that lasts for a short period.

I had the flu vaccination last year. Do I need another one this year?

Yes, the flu vaccine for this winter provides protection against some different strains of flu from last year’s. For this reason we strongly recommend that even if you were vaccinated last year, you should be vaccinated again this year.

Where can I get more information?

Visit the flu pages on the NHS Choices website at: www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/pages/flu-influenza-vaccine.aspx