UKHSA alert over who needs Covid-19 and flu vaccinations this October

You can verify your eligibility for both Covid-19 and flu vaccinations using the NHS app

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged at-risk groups to book two crucial vaccinations this month. Securing these jabs will boost your protection and could lower your chances of developing serious illness symptoms this autumn.

In a post to X yesterday, the Government agency said: “From today, everyone who is eligible can get their NHS Covid-19 and flu vaccines. You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online or by calling 119.”

Covid-19 jabs are specially designed to guard against Covid-19, which can prove fatal for certain groups. Whilst the majority of people don’t need a booster, the NHS typically provides these additional injections to those facing higher risks of severe illness.

For the winter Covid-19 vaccination, this specifically concerns the following groups:

• People aged six months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• People who live in a care home for older adults
• People aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by January 31, 2026)

Flu jabs are likewise crafted to shield people from influenza. In an earlier social media post, the UKHSA outlined that six primary groups were entitled to receive their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year, whilst a further six became eligible from October 1.

From September 1, this included:

1. Pregnant women
2. All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
3. Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
4. Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
5. Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
6. All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years

From October 1, 2025, this encompassed:

1. Everyone aged 65 years old and over
2. Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
3. Care home residents
4. Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
5. Those living with people who are immunocompromised
6. Frontline health and social care workers

You can verify your eligibility for vaccinations using the NHS app. These jabs are available at GP surgeries, select pharmacies, maternity services, and care homes.

The NHS clarifies that health or social care workers may also be able to receive a vaccination at their workplace. You can have a flu vaccine concurrently with other jabs, such as the Covid-19 and shingles vaccines. Although it’s not typically given at the same time as the RSV vaccine, the NHS states that a doctor may administer it simultaneously if necessary.

In light of the winter vaccination rollout Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said yesterday: “It’s concerning to hear flu and Covid-19 cases are already creeping up ahead of winter – but vaccinations remain our best defence against these viruses and can be lifesaving. I urge everyone eligible to come forward for their jabs as soon as they can, with easy to book appointments or drop-in sessions now available closer to home.

“Teams across the country are working hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP, pharmacy, school or other community clinic, and for the first time ever parents will be able to get flu vaccines for their two and three year olds at their high-street pharmacy to help busy families protect their children in a way that works for them.

“Get vaccinated today to protect yourself and others around you, it might keep you out of hospital this winter.”

The NHS has already dispatched over 12 million invitations via email, with further invites through the NHS App, text messages, and letters to be sent throughout the month. However, eligible people don’t need to wait for an invitation to make a booking.

For more information, head to the NHS website.