The NHS has already sent over 12 million invites via email for winter jabs
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has advised vulnerable groups to schedule two important vaccinations from this month. Getting these vaccines will enhance your protection and may reduce your risk of experiencing severe illness symptoms this autumn.
In a post to X yesterday, the Government agency said: “From today, everyone who is eligible can get their NHS COVID-19 and flu vaccines. You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online or by calling 119.”
Covid-19 vaccinations are specifically created to help protect against Covid-19, which can be life-threatening for certain groups. While most people don’t require a booster, the NHS generally offers these extra injections to those at greater risk of serious illness.
For the winter Covid-19 vaccination, this specifically concerns the following groups:
- People aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)
- People aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- People who live in a care home for older adults
Flu vaccinations are similarly designed to help protect people against influenza. In a previous social media post, the UKHSA detailed that six main groups were eligible to secure their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year, while an additional six qualified from October 1.
From September 1, this included:
- Pregnant women
- All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
- Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
- Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
And from October 1, 2025, this included:
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
- Care home residents
- Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
You can check your eligibility for vaccinations using the NHS app. These jabs are available at GP surgeries, certain pharmacies, maternity services, and care homes.
The NHS explains that health or social care workers may also be able to get a vaccination at their place of work. You can have a flu vaccine at the same time as other jabs, such as the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines. Although it’s not usually administered at the same time as the RSV vaccine, the NHS claims that a doctor may do so if necessary.
Amidst the winter vaccination rollout Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said yesterday: “It’s concerning to hear flu and COVID-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter – but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.
“Teams across the country are working hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP, pharmacy, school or other community clinic, and for the first time ever parents will be able to get flu vaccines for their two and three year olds at their high-street pharmacy to help busy families protect their children in a way that works for them.
“Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”
The NHS has already sent over 12 million invites via email, with additional invitations through the NHS App, text messages, and letters to be issued throughout the month. However, those who are eligible do not need to wait for an invitation to book.
For more information, head to the NHS website.