COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations

NHS flu vaccination – who is eligible?

The NHS offers free flu vaccinations to adults who are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu. For the 2026/27 flu season, you may be eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination if you:

• Are aged 65 or over, including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027
• Are aged 18 to under 65 and have certain long-term health conditions or are in a recognised clinical risk group
• Live in a long-stay residential care home
• Are the main carer of an older or disabled person, or receive Carer's Allowance
• Are a close contact of someone who is immunocompromised
• Are an eligible frontline social care worker without access to an employer-led occupational health vaccination scheme
• Are experiencing homelessness, including people sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter

People with certain long-term health conditions may also be eligible, including some respiratory, neurological, heart, kidney, liver and immune system conditions, as well as diabetes and some other conditions.

If you're unsure whether you qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination, please speak to a member of our pharmacy team.

NHS COVID-19 vaccination – who is eligible?

The autumn/winter 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme is aimed at adults who are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell from COVID-19. You may be eligible for a free NHS COVID-19 vaccination if you:

• Are aged 75 or over, including those who will turn 75 by 31 January 2027
• Live in a care home for older adults
• Have a severely weakened immune system because of certain medical conditions or treatments

The eligibility criteria for COVID-19 vaccination are different from the flu vaccination criteria, so being eligible for one vaccination does not necessarily mean you are eligible for the other.

If you're unsure whether you qualify for an NHS COVID-19 vaccination, please speak to our pharmacy team.

Walk-in NHS vaccinations

We also welcome walk-in patients for eligible NHS COVID-19 and adult flu vaccinations from 19 October 2026, subject to availability. If you don't have an appointment, you can visit Burnopfield Pharmacy and speak to a member of our pharmacy team.

Please note that walk-in vaccinations are subject to availability, so we cannot guarantee that a vaccination will be available at the time of your visit. If you want to make sure you have an appointment, we recommend booking through the NHS App or NHS National Booking Service.

Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccinations together?

Where clinically appropriate, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given during the same visit. Our trained pharmacy team will check your eligibility and carry out the appropriate assessment before your vaccination.

Having your recommended vaccinations helps provide protection against serious illness during the winter months.

Don't leave it too late

Flu and COVID-19 can cause serious illness, particularly in people who are older, have certain long-term health conditions or are otherwise at increased risk.

If you're eligible for an NHS vaccination, book now using the NHS App or NHS National Booking Service. Vaccinations at Burnopfield Pharmacy are available from 19 October 2026. If you're not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination, our private adult flu vaccination service provides another option to help protect you this winter.