Vaccinations north Essex services help protect residents from serious infectious diseases. In addition, this page explains which vaccines are recommended, who is eligible, and where to book or attend vaccination appointments locally. Vaccination protects both individuals and the wider community. Therefore, taking up vaccination offers when invited helps prevent serious illness and reduces the spread of infection.
Why vaccinations are important
Vaccines protect you and others by reducing the risk of serious illness and complications. As a result, vaccination helps prevent the spread of infectious diseases and protects vulnerable people. It also reduces hospital admissions and supports long-term public health. If the NHS invites you for a vaccination, you should take up the offer to protect yourself and others.
Find out more about NHS vaccinationsFlu vaccinations 2026-27
The flu is a common and highly infectious illness caused by influenza viruses. Most people recover without treatment, but for some people it can lead to serious complications, a hospital stay and, in some cases, death.
People with certain health conditions, older people, pregnant women and some children are at greater risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu.
Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to reduce your risk of serious illness and help protect those around you. If you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, please take up the offer this autumn.
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
You may be at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu if you have a long-term health condition, including:
- a lung condition, such as COPD, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis or some types of asthma
- a heart condition, such as heart failure, coronary heart disease or congenital heart disease
- diabetes, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes
- kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or chronic hepatitis
- a neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, dementia, or if you have had a stroke
- a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment, such as chemotherapy, some medicines that suppress the immune system, or HIV
- a condition affecting your spleen, including sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
- severe obesity, with a BMI of 40 or above
- adrenal insufficiency, such as Addison’s disease
This is not a complete list. Some other health conditions may also mean you are at higher risk from flu.
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine, speak to your GP practice or community pharmacist.
Where to get vaccinations in north Essex
Residents can access vaccinations north Essex services through GP practices, pharmacies, vaccination clinics and school-based programmes. In most cases, the NHS will contact you directly when you become eligible. However, you can book some vaccinations yourself through your GP practice, pharmacy or the NHS website.
How to book a vaccination
You can book many vaccinations through your GP practice. For example, your practice may contact you by text message, letter, NHS App notification or phone call. If you believe you are eligible but have not received an invitation, contact your GP practice directly.
Book online
For some vaccination programmes, you can book online using the NHS booking system or NHS App.
You can pre-book your flu vaccination from August 17 2026.
Book through a pharmacy
Pharmacies across north Essex provide convenient access to vaccinations, including flu, RSV and COVID-19 vaccines. In addition, many pharmacies offer walk-in appointments, making it easier to get vaccinated at a time that suits you.
- Christchurch Pharmacy and Clinics Braintree, CM7 1LB
Maternity vaccinations in north Essex
Vaccinations when you are pregnant help protect both mother and baby during pregnancy by reducing the risk of serious infections such as flu, whooping cough and RSV. By having recommended vaccines at the right time in pregnancy, mothers pass vital antibodies to their baby, offering protection during the first weeks and months of life.
Speak to your GP or maternity team to get your vaccines.
If you live in the Braintree district (including Halstead and Witham) and are having your baby with Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, you can access vaccination clinics through maternity services.
These clinics offer an opportunity to speak with healthcare professionals, ask any questions you may have, and receive recommended vaccines during your pregnancy.
The clinic is located in Zone A, by the entrance to the maternity ward.
Appointment: No booking required – this is a drop-in clinic
Days: Tuesday and Thursday
Time: 9.15am to 4.30pm
School-age vaccination services
Children and young people receive routine vaccinations through school-based programmes. As a result, these programmes protect children and help prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Parents and carers usually receive information and consent forms in advance.
East of England community and school-aged immunisation service
The service is provided by Hertfordshire Community NHS Trust.
Please contact the team if you have questions about whether you or your family members are eligible for a vaccine, or, if you’d like to know more about community clinics where you may be vaccinated.
If you are contacting the team by email, they aim to respond within 2 working days.
- Phone number:
- 0300 555 5055 (Option 6)
- Email:
- [email protected]
- Monday to Friday:
- 8:30am to 4:30pm