Flu is a contagious respiratory infection that can cause fever, cough, aching muscles, exhaustion and other unpleasant symptoms. For many healthy people, it settles with rest and time. However, flu can be more serious for some people, particularly those at higher risk of complications.
Having a flu vaccination before the 2026–27 flu season is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell. It can also help protect people around you, including older relatives, babies and those with weakened immune systems.
The NHS flu programme is reviewed each year, so the exact eligibility rules, vaccine products and start dates for the 2026–27 season may vary. Regent Pharmacy can assess your needs and explain whether an NHS or private vaccination is suitable for you.
People who are more likely to benefit
You should consider a flu vaccination particularly carefully if you are in a group that is more vulnerable to complications. This includes:
- Adults aged 65 or over.
- Pregnant women, at any stage of pregnancy.
- People with certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease or neurological conditions.
- People with diabetes.
- People with a weakened immune system, whether because of a medical condition or treatment.
- Residents of care homes or other long-term residential settings.
- People who are unpaid carers or who receive a carer’s allowance, where they meet the relevant NHS criteria.
- People living with someone who has a weakened immune system.
- Health and social care staff who are eligible through their employer or the NHS flu programme.
Some conditions may not be obvious to other people, but they can still increase the risk of flu complications. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies for NHS vaccination, speak to your GP, pharmacist or healthcare team rather than assuming you are not eligible.
Pregnancy and flu vaccination
Pregnancy can change the way the immune system responds to infections. Flu may be more serious during pregnancy, and illness can affect both the mother and baby. For this reason, pregnant women are routinely offered a flu vaccination through the NHS.
The flu vaccination used in pregnancy is not a live vaccine and cannot give you flu. It can be given at any stage of pregnancy, but arranging it when it is offered helps provide protection during the flu season.
If you are pregnant and would like to discuss vaccination, your midwife, GP surgery or pharmacist can advise on where to receive it. You should also mention any previous serious reaction to a vaccine when booking.
Children and young people
Children can spread flu readily within families and communities. The NHS childhood flu programme commonly includes certain age groups and children with specific health conditions, but the arrangements can differ by age and may change from one season to the next.
Eligible children may be offered a nasal flu vaccine through school, their GP surgery or another NHS provider. In some circumstances, an injectable vaccine may be recommended instead. The nasal vaccine is not suitable for every child, including some children with particular medical conditions or treatment needs.
If your child has a long-term condition, has previously reacted badly to a vaccine, or you are unsure which vaccine is appropriate, ask a healthcare professional for individual advice. Regent Pharmacy’s flu vaccination service may have age and eligibility requirements, so please check these before booking for a child.
What about people who are not eligible for an NHS vaccination?
You may still wish to consider a private flu vaccination if you are not included in the NHS programme but want to reduce your chance of flu. This may be particularly relevant if:
- You work in a busy environment or have frequent contact with the public.
- You live with, visit or regularly care for someone vulnerable to flu.
- You are self-employed or cannot easily take time away from work if you become ill.
- You travel during the winter or have important family, work or social commitments.
- You simply want additional personal protection after discussing the benefits and limitations with a pharmacist.
A private vaccination does not replace NHS care or guarantee that you will not catch flu. It is also not a substitute for seeking medical advice if you become seriously unwell. However, it can be a practical option for people who want to arrange vaccination at a convenient time.
When should you have the vaccination?
Flu activity is usually greatest during the colder months, but the timing can vary. It takes around two weeks for the body to develop its best immune response after vaccination, so having the vaccine before flu begins circulating widely is sensible.
Do not delay unnecessarily if you are offered an NHS vaccination. If you miss an appointment, contact the provider to ask whether you can rearrange it. People who become eligible later in the season may still benefit from vaccination, depending on the circumstances and current flu activity.
The flu vaccine is updated for each season because the viruses circulating can change. A vaccination from a previous winter should not be assumed to provide adequate protection for the 2026–27 season.
Who should ask for advice before booking?
Most people can be vaccinated safely, but you should tell the pharmacist about your health and vaccination history before receiving the vaccine. Advice may be needed if you:
- Have ever had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients.
- Have previously developed a serious reaction after vaccination.
- Are currently unwell with a high temperature.
- Have a condition or treatment that affects your immune system.
- Are pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
- Have questions about an egg allergy or a previous reaction to egg.
A minor illness without a high temperature does not always prevent vaccination, but the pharmacist will check your circumstances. You should also provide an accurate list of medicines and explain any relevant allergies or medical conditions.
Protect yourself and those around you
Flu vaccination is especially worth considering if you are older, pregnant, living with a long-term condition, caring for someone vulnerable or regularly exposed to other people. Even if you are generally healthy, a private vaccination may be appropriate if you want to reduce the likelihood of flu disrupting your winter.
For the latest 2026–27 eligibility information, speak to your GP surgery, NHS provider or pharmacist. The team at Regent Pharmacy can discuss the service, check whether vaccination is suitable and advise whether you may need to arrange an NHS appointment elsewhere.
Book your flu vaccination
Prepare for the coming season by arranging your flu vaccination at Regent Pharmacy. Book online to discuss your options and take a straightforward step towards protecting yourself this winter.