Written by Vaccinations (Flu, COVID, Shingles, Pneumococcal)
Overview
Seasonal vaccines lower the risk of severe illness, hospital admission and death in higher-risk groups. In England, the 2025/26 winter programme covers flu and COVID-19, alongside routine adult vaccines such as shingles and pneumococcal. Invitations are sent by the NHS; you can also book via your GP surgery, the NHS App/website, or participating pharmacies.
Quick eligibility check (2025/26)
Adults who should check eligibility include people who are:
- Age 65+ (flu, pneumococcal; shingles according to programme rules).
- Age 75+ (COVID-19 seasonal, plus care-home residents of any age in older-adult homes, and people who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months+).
- In a clinical risk group (long-term conditions, immunosuppression, pregnancy for flu timing).
- Carers, close household contacts of someone immunocompromised, or frontline health/social care staff (flu eligibility/employer programmes).
- Turning 65 (shingles) or already 70–79 (catch-up shingles).
Children and young people have separate flu/COVID schedules via schools and GP. If unsure, follow your NHS invitation or check with your GP or pharmacist.
Flu vaccine
Who is eligible (England, 2025/26): adults aged 65+, people aged 6 months to under 65 in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, residents of long-stay care, carers, close contacts of immunocompromised people, and frontline health/social care staff (via employers). Children aged 2–3 and school-age children are also eligible through GP or school services.
When: Most adults from 1 October 2025. Pregnant women and children can start from 1 September 2025.
Why it matters: Flu vaccination reduces severe illness and helps protect the NHS during winter.
COVID-19 seasonal vaccine
Who is eligible (Autumn 2025): adults aged 75+, residents in older-adult care homes, and people who are immunosuppressed (6 months+).
Timing & product: The autumn 2025 programme uses Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) mRNA vaccines, with appointments mainly from October. Protection is strongest against severe disease and hospitalisation.
Shingles (Shingrix)
Who is eligible: routine offer at age 65 (from cohorts turning 65 on/after 1 Sept 2023), a catch-up for 70–79, and adults 18+ with a severely weakened immune system.
Doses: 2 doses, typically 6–12 months apart.
Had shingles before? You can still be vaccinated once you’ve recovered.
Pneumococcal (PPV23)
Who is eligible: a single PPV23 dose is recommended for adults at higher risk, including everyone aged 65+; some clinical groups follow different schedules (your GP will advise).
Can I have them together?
Often, yes. The adult flu start aligns with COVID-19 to support co-administration. Shingles (Shingrix) and pneumococcal vaccines can generally be given at the same visit as seasonal vaccines when clinically appropriate. Your vaccinator will advise if any reason to separate doses applies.
Common side effects & red flags
Common (1–3 days): sore arm, mild fever, headache, tiredness, muscle aches. Simple pain relief and fluids usually help.
Seek urgent help: call 999 for symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (wheezing, swelling of face/neck, faintness). Call NHS 111 for prolonged high fever (>48 hours), chest pain, shortness of breath, a spreading rash, or if you feel very unwell after vaccination.
Pregnancy: the flu vaccine is recommended at any stage of pregnancy and can start from 1 September.
How to book
You may receive an NHS text, letter or email. Otherwise:
- Use the NHS App or NHS website to book eligible flu/COVID-19 appointments when bookings open for your area.
- Contact your GP surgery (especially for shingles and pneumococcal) or ask participating pharmacies.
- Bring a list of medicines and allergies to your appointment.
FAQs
How do I know if I’m eligible this autumn/winter?
Flu covers adults 65+, risk groups, pregnancy, carers, close contacts of immunocompromised people and frontline staff. COVID-19 this autumn is for adults 75+, older-adult care-home residents, and people who are immunosuppressed (6 months+). If unsure, check your NHS invitation or ask your GP/pharmacist.
How long between shingles doses?
Usually 6–12 months between the 2 Shingrix doses. Your GP will confirm the interval.
Can I get the shingles vaccine if I’ve had shingles before?
Yes — once fully recovered and the rash has healed, vaccination can proceed.
Can I get more than one vaccine on the same day?
Often, yes. Flu and COVID-19 are routinely co-administered; shingles and pneumococcal can also be given with them in most cases. Your vaccinator will advise.
Is pneumococcal a one-off?
For most people aged 65+, PPV23 is a single dose. Some high-risk groups follow different schedules.