Medical update
Vaccines
With winter approaching, now is the time to book your vaccinations and protect yourself from the effects of COVID-19 and flu. There has also been an update in the shingles vaccine.
This winter the NHS are once again offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable people. These are people who are the most likely to get seriously ill if infected.
Over time viruses change and protection from vaccines fades. This is why it is important to top up this protection with a vaccination whenever offered one. They will not necessarily stop you from picking up an infection but aim to reduce your chance of getting severe symptoms and needing to be admitted to hospital.
Flu vaccine
The following people are able to get the flu vaccine for free on the NHS:
- adults aged 65 and over, including those who will be 65 before 31st March 2026 (over 50 in Northern Ireland)
- people with certain health conditions, this includes those with a weakened immune system such as those with lymphoma
- pregnant women
- people living in care homes
- people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
If you are not sure if you are entitled to a flu vaccination speak to your GP or medical team. There is also a more detailed list of the eligible health conditions on the NHS website.
In England flu vaccinations were open for booking from 1 September and appointments are available from 1 October.
You do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment. You can book an appointment online or in your NHS app. You may also be able to get it at your GP surgery or local pharmacy. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland flu vaccines will be available from your GP or pharmacy.
The flu vaccine takes 14 days to be effective.
COVID-19 vaccine
You are able to get the COVID-19 vaccine this autumn/winter if you are:
- over 75 (including those who will be 75 before 31 January 2026)
- aged between 6 months and 74 years and have a weakened immune system, including those with a history of lymphoma
- an adult living in a care home.
COVID-19 vaccinations were open for booking from 1 September and appointments are available from 1 October. In England you do not need to wait for an invitation before booking an appointment. You can book an appointment online or in your NHS app. In Scotland and Wales the NHS will contact you if you are eligible. In Northern Ireland you will be contacted by your GP.
People with a severely weakened immune system, such as those who have had a stem cell transplant or CAR-T cell therapy may require a second dose. Your specialist team will be able to advise if this applies to you.
Shingles vaccine
The shingles vaccine helps protect against shingles. You’re eligible for the shingles vaccine if you’re aged 18 or over and you’re at higher risk from shingles because you have a severely weakened immune system.
This includes:
- some people with blood cancer (such as leukaemia or lymphoma)
- some people with HIV or AIDS
- some people who’ve recently had a stem cell transplant, radiotherapy, chemotherapy or an organ transplant
- people taking certain medicines that severely weaken the immune system.
You’ll be given 2 doses of the shingles vaccine. These are given between 8 weeks and 6 months apart. Ask your GP or care team if you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the shingles vaccine. You may also be entitled to other vaccinations this autumn/winter including the pneumococcal vaccine and RSV vaccine.
Find out more about vaccinations, along with treatment available for COVID-19 and other ways to stay healthy on our day-to-day living page.
