Eligible people across Essex can now book their flu vaccination, as the NHS prepares for winter.
Last winter, flu vaccination uptake among people aged 65 and over across Greater Essex was 73.2%, just below the England average of 74.5%.
Uptake was also lower than the national average among other eligible groups, including pregnant women, children aged two and three, and people under 65 with certain long-term health conditions.
Adults who are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine can book an appointment through the NHS website or NHS App now. Most appointments will take place from 1 October 2026, while pregnant women can book an appointment from 1 September 2026.
Children are also included in the NHS flu vaccination programme. Vaccinations for children start from 1 September, with school vaccination teams visiting schools during the autumn. Children aged two and three can receive the flu nasal spray through their GP practice, with community pharmacies also able to vaccinate this age group from 1 October.
Flu can be much more serious than a bad cold. It can lead to hospital treatment and can be life-threatening for some people, particularly older people, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Getting vaccinated before flu starts circulating widely gives people the best protection through the winter months. It can take up to 14 days for the flu vaccine to provide protection.
Flu can make anyone unwell, but for some people it can lead to serious complications, a hospital stay and, in some cases, death.
Dr Matthew Sweeting, Executive Medical Director at NHS Essex, said:
That is why I would encourage everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free NHS flu vaccination this autumn. Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill and to help protect the people around you.
You do not need to wait for an invitation. If you are eligible, you can book your appointment now and make sure you are protected ahead of winter.
As a healthcare professional, I make getting my flu vaccination a priority every year. It helps protect my own health, reduces the risk of passing flu on to patients, and means I can continue providing care when people need it most.
Those eligible from 1 September 2026
- Pregnant women
- All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2026
- Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11)
- Young people aged 17+ who meet specific criteria
- All children from six months of age who are in clinical risk groups
Those eligible from 1 October 2026
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- Those aged 16-64 in clinical risk groups
- People with certain long term health conditions
- Residents in 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 people who are immunocompromised
- Eligible frontline health and social care workers