NHS England announced in August that flu and COVID-19 vaccinations would open to other eligible groups from 3 October 2024, after the first phase of the autumn rollout began in September1. The announcement set out plans for flu, COVID-19 and, for the first time, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccinations across England ahead of winter1.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that adults aged 65 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years be eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations1. The Government also decided that COVID-19 and flu vaccines would be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in care homes for older adults offered the COVID-19 jab1. The RSV vaccine, offered by the NHS for the first time from September, is available to those aged 75 to 79 and to pregnant women from 28 weeks1.
The eligible groups and start dates set out in the announcement are:
| From 1 September | From 3 October |
|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Those aged 65 years and over |
| All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024 | Those aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book) |
| Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6) | Those in long-stay residential care homes |
| Secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11) | Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or main carers of an elderly or disabled person |
| All children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months to under 18 years | Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals |
| Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme |
Those eligible for an autumn COVID-19 booster are residents in a care home for older adults, all adults aged 65 years and over, persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group as defined in the Green Book, and frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults1.
Booking for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations opened in advance from 23 September, with appointments running until 20 December1. Adult appointments are available through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119 free of charge, and flu vaccines are also available through local GP practices and pharmacies1. Where adults are eligible for both, the NHS made flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option of protection from both viruses in one visit; the announcement states it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations1.
Steve Russell, NHS National Director for Vaccinations and Screening, said:
"The flu and COVID-19 vaccines are our best defences against these viruses and can be lifesaving, so I would urge everyone eligible to book their jabs when they become available, to protect themselves and people around them."
Why it matters for households
The change affects households in England with members in the groups listed for 3 October, including people aged 65 and over, adults under 65 in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers and close contacts of immunocompromised people1. Flu season usually peaks in December and January, and the announcement states that starting adult vaccinations from October ensures those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread1. The NHS advises that the nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2 to 17 years, but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative1. The announcement says the vaccines provide vital protection to keep people from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital during busy winter months1.
What happens next
Appointments for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations run until 20 December 20241. Adult appointments can be booked through the NHS App and website, or by calling 119, and flu vaccines are also available through local GP practices and pharmacies1. Further information on who is eligible is set out in the guide to who can get a free flu vaccine and the guide to who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now; the vaccinations guide covers the wider set of vaccines that protect against outbreaks, and the health emergencies hub collects the related guidance.
Free Flu Vaccine Eligibility
Vaccines Against Outbreaks
Who Can Get a COVID-19 Vaccine
