Health and wellbeing
Eligible residents urged to book their flu vaccine ahead of winter season
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Walsall residents who are eligible for a free flu vaccine are being urged to book their appointment to help protect themselves against flu this winter.
Flu vaccinations are available for pregnant women and children aged 2 and 3 years from September, while all other eligible residents can receive their flu vaccine from 1 October 2026 as part of the national vaccination programme.
Eligible residents include people aged 65 years and over, adults aged 18 years and over with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents, carers, those living with someone who has a weakened immune system and people experiencing homelessness. Frontline health and social care workers can also receive a flu vaccine through their employer.
Parents and carers are also encouraged to ensure their children are protected against flu. Children aged 2 and 3 years can receive their vaccine through their GP practice, while eligible primary and secondary school-aged children will be offered vaccination through the school immunisation programme.
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can lead to serious complications and require hospital treatment for those most at risk. In severe cases, flu can be fatal. It is offered on the NHS every autumn and winter to people who are more likely to become seriously unwell from flu.
Eligible residents can get their flu vaccine through their GP or pharmacy, book through the NHS App or make an appointment using the national booking system. Residents can also book over the phone by calling 119 free of charge and if needed, to ask for an interpreter. Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a BSL user can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
Residents are also encouraged to check whether they are eligible for other vaccinations, including COVID-19, RSV and shingles vaccines. Some vaccines can be given at the same appointment as the flu vaccine.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also available through GP practices for babies, people who are aged 65 years or over and children and adults at higher risk of getting seriously ill.
“ As we move towards the winter months, I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free flu vaccine. Flu can be a serious illness, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and those with long-term health conditions.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to help protect yourself and those around you from flu and its potentially serious complications. The vaccine is safe, effective and available through a range of convenient locations including GP practices and pharmacies.
If you are eligible, please book your appointment as soon as possible. While arranging your flu vaccination, it is also a good opportunity to check whether you are eligible for other important vaccinations, including COVID-19, RSV, pneumococcal and shingles vaccines, to help you stay well throughout the winter season. “
Eligibility
Those eligible for a free flu vaccine this year include:
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- Pregnant women
- Children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Residents and staff in long-stay care homes
- Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- Those experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- Frontline health and social care workers (via their employer). If you cannot get a flu vaccine through your employer, you can get it at a pharmacy or your GP surgery.
For more information on the flu vaccine, visit the NHS website.
For more information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the NHS website.
You can also find out more about the RSV vaccine and the Pneumococcal vaccine on the NHS website.
Eligible residents may also be able to receive other vaccines, such as the Shingles vaccine through their GP (for all adults turning 65, those aged 70 to 79 and those aged 18 and over with a severely weakened immune system). To find out more, speak to your GP.
