The NHS national booking service opened on Monday 17 August, for pre-booking flu and COVID-19 vaccinations as we head towards winter.

Residents in the South West who are eligible for flu or COVID-19 vaccinations are being encouraged to tick one thing off their to do list early this year, by scheduling their seasonal vaccination appointment.

From 1 September, flu vaccinations will be available for:

• pregnant women

• all children aged 2 or 3 years old on 31 August 2026

• all primary school and secondary school-aged children

• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

From 1 October 2026, the flu offer will then be available for:

• those aged 65 and over

• those aged 18 to 65 years old in a clinical risk group

• those in long-stay residential care homes

• carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person

• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals

• people experiencing homelessness

• frontline healthcare workers

COVID-19 vaccinations will also be available from 1 October for:

• those aged 75 years and over

• residents in care homes for older adults

• individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed

Dr Matthew Dominey, Consultant in Public Health and Screening and Immunisation Lead at NHS England South West, said: “Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, particularly for older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems or long-term health conditions, so it is important that everyone who is eligible comes forward as soon as they can.

“Vaccines remain one of the best ways to boost your protection ahead of winter. If you are eligible for either your flu or COVID-19 vaccines, having them when offered not only helps reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell and can also help protect family, friends and those around you who may be more vulnerable.

“There may be some people who are eligible for both their flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Please be assured it is safe to have these at the same time and may be more convenient to have them at the same appointment.

“Booking is quick and easy through the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119. If you are eligible, book now and give yourself the best protection before flu and COVID-19 start circulating more widely this winter.”

Dr Fiona Neely, Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Whilst we are still in summer, illnesses like flu and COVID-19 are probably the last thing on your mind, but the seasons will change quickly, and with the national booking system now open, I’d urge everyone in the South West who is eligible to plan ahead and book their vaccinations as soon as possible.

“Booking early means you will be vaccinated in good time, before these viruses start circulating widely, giving you the best possible protection through the autumn and winter months. I strongly encourage everyone eligible to take up the offer and get vaccinated.”

Respiratory infections like flu and COVID-19 spread more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others. However, last year in England, it is estimated that flu vaccination prevented around 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths.

The NHS will be sending out millions of invitations for flu and COVID-19 vaccination over the coming months to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can. However, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book. If you are eligible, you can book an appointment at your local pharmacy on the NHS website, NHS App or by calling 119 or you can also book directly with your GP if preferred.