Flu · 2 min read
Free NHS flu jab 2026/27: who's eligible, and can I have it with my COVID jab?
Who can get a free NHS flu jab this winter, what to do if you're not eligible, and how to have your flu and COVID jabs in one visit at Brighton Hill.
The NHS flu programme for 2026/27 is under way, and the jab is free for millions of people. Here's a quick guide to who qualifies, what to do if you don't, and how to get your flu and COVID jabs at the same time.
Who can get a free NHS flu jab?
According to the NHS, you can have the flu vaccine free this winter if you:
- are aged 65 or over, including if you'll be 65 by 31 March 2027
- are aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, or heart, kidney or liver disease
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive Carer's Allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are aged 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a hostel or night shelter
Children are offered the vaccine too, usually as a nasal spray. We give NHS children's flu vaccines from age 2, and most school-age children have theirs at school. Frontline health and social care workers can usually get theirs through their employer.
You don't need to be registered with a GP to have your NHS flu jab at a pharmacy, and we'll check whether you qualify before we start.
Not eligible? Private flu jab, £25
If you don't qualify for the NHS jab, you can have a private one with us for £25. It's for adults aged 18 or over and only takes a few minutes.
Flu and COVID jabs in one visit
This autumn the NHS COVID-19 vaccine is offered to people aged 75 or over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people with a weakened immune system. If you're eligible for both, we can give your flu and COVID jabs at the same appointment, so you only need to come in once.
When should I have it?
As early in the autumn as you can. The vaccine takes about two weeks to work, and flu usually peaks over the winter. It's still worth having later, though: the NHS offers it until 31 March 2027.
How to get your jab at Brighton Hill
Book online, call us on 01256 322973, or pop in during opening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm and Saturday 9am to 5pm.