Flu and COVID-19 vaccines this winter: who can have them free
Every autumn the same questions come to the counter: am I eligible, can I have both vaccines at once, and is it too late? Here are the answers for this winter, 2026 to 2027, taken from the NHS's own guidance.
Who can have a free flu vaccine
The groups are the same as last year. You can have a free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are 65 or over, or will be by 31 March 2027
- are 18 to 64 and have certain long-term conditions, such as diabetes, a heart, lung, kidney or liver condition, a weakened immune system or a BMI of 40 or above
- are pregnant, at any stage
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or get Carer's Allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers are usually vaccinated through their employer. Children have their own programme, mostly through schools and GP surgeries. Not sure whether your condition counts? Ask us and we will check the list with you.
Who can have a free COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 list is shorter. This winter it covers:
- adults aged 75 or over, including anyone who turns 75 by 31 January 2027
- people aged 6 months to 74 with a weakened immune system, because of a condition or a treatment such as chemotherapy
- people living in a care home for older adults
The last day for an NHS COVID-19 vaccine this season is 31 January 2027. You do not need to wait for an invitation.
Can I have both at the same time?
Yes. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be given at the same appointment. If you are an older adult who is also due an RSV vaccine, that one is usually given on a different day from the flu vaccine.
When to have it
As soon as you can. Protection takes up to two weeks to build, and flu usually spreads most in the winter months. The NHS aims to vaccinate most people by the end of November, but the flu vaccine is available until 31 March 2027, so later is still better than not at all. If you have a high temperature on the day, wait until you feel better.
Where to have it in Brighton
You can have the free flu vaccine at your GP surgery, or at a pharmacy that offers it, including ours on St James's Street if you are an adult in one of the groups above. You can also book through the NHS website or the NHS App. For COVID-19, book through the NHS website or the NHS App, or go to a walk-in site. Some pharmacies and GP surgeries give it too, and the NHS website shows the nearest.
The vaccination itself takes a few minutes in our consultation room. A sore arm for a day or two is common. Neither vaccine can give you flu or COVID-19.
If you are not on the list
You can still have a flu vaccine privately. See our flu vaccination page or ask at the counter.
Common questions
I had a flu vaccine last winter. Do I need another?
Yes. Flu viruses change, and the vaccine is updated every year, so last winter's does not cover this one.
Can I have it in pregnancy?
Yes. The NHS recommends the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. It can be given at the same time as the RSV vaccine from 28 weeks, and the whooping cough vaccine.
I have a cold. Can I still have it?
A mild cold is fine. If you have a high temperature, wait until it has gone.
Sources
Last checked against these sources on 22 October 2026.
