NHS England has set out plans for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations in England this winter.
See NHS press release: NHS England » Millions to get protected ahead of winter in NHS vaccine rollout and scientific evidence used by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) to formulate its recommendations on COVID-19 vaccination: JCVI statement on COVID-19 vaccination in spring 2024 and considerations on future COVID-19 vaccination, 4 December 2023.
Eligibility for vaccination
Flu vaccine
The following are eligible from 1 September:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- 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 6 months to less than 18 years
The following are eligible from 3 October:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book)
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by Those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants.
COVID-19 Autumn booster vaccination
Those eligible are:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- all adults aged 65 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book
- frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
Those eligible are:
- Those aged 75 to 79
- Pregnant women from 28 weeks, to protect their child.
Timing of vaccinations
Flu vaccination
Flu vaccinations for children will start when the new school year begins in September, to help stop the virus spreading.
Pregnant women can also get their jab from 1 September.
From 3 October, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for other eligible groups.
People can start booking their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations in advance from 23 September, with appointments running until 20 December.
For those adults eligible for both, the NHS will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit.
However, it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination, below, on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
From September the NHS will offer vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common cause of coughs and colds which can be dangerous to older people and young children.
How to book vaccinations
Adult flu and COVID-19 appointments will be available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 for free.
Flu vaccines will also be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.
More information
Annual flu programme - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
