NHS or Private Flu Jab: Who Can Get It Free?
Quick answer
You can have a free NHS flu vaccine this winter if you’re aged 65 or over, pregnant, have certain long-term health conditions, are a carer, live in a care home, or live with someone who has a weakened immune system, among other groups. If you’re not eligible, you can pay for a private flu jab. At Summersdale Pharmacy it’s £25 for adults.
Flu can be serious, especially for older people and people with health conditions. The vaccine is updated every year to match the strains expected to spread, so it’s worth having each winter. Here’s who can get it free for winter 2026 to 2027.
Who can get a free NHS flu vaccine
Adults, from 1 October 2026, if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions, such as diabetes, some lung conditions including COPD and some types of asthma, heart, kidney, liver or neurological conditions, a weakened immune system, a learning disability, or a BMI of 40 or above
- get Carer’s Allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- live in a care home, or are housebound
- are aged 16 or over and experiencing homelessness (new this year)
- work in some frontline social care roles. Health care workers are usually offered the vaccine by their employer.
Pregnant women can have it from 1 September 2026, at any stage of pregnancy.
Children aged 2 or 3, school children from reception to year 11, and children with certain health conditions are also eligible. Most children are vaccinated at school or at their GP surgery.
When to have it
NHS flu vaccines for adults started on 1 October 2026. It’s best to have it by the end of November, before flu usually spreads widely, but it’s still worth having later in the winter.
Free NHS flu jabs at Summersdale Pharmacy
If you’re eligible and aged 18 or over, you can have your free NHS flu vaccine with us. Book through the NHS website or call us on 01243 380185.
Private flu jabs in Chichester
Not eligible, but want to protect yourself? Our private flu jab is £25 for adults aged 18 and over, with no GP referral needed. It’s popular with people who work with the public, travel in winter, or want to avoid passing flu on to family. Book your private flu jab.
Before your jab
Let us know if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine, or if you’re unwell with a high temperature on the day, as you may need to wait. Side effects, such as a sore arm or feeling tired, are usually mild and pass in a day or two.