NHS England announced on 23 September 2024 that millions of people in England can book flu and COVID-19 vaccinations from that day, with appointments available from 3 October1. The booking window opened at 9am, and the same announcement confirmed that this is the first year the NHS is also offering vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)1.
Eligible people can book via the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 free of charge if they cannot get online1. The NHS said appointments would run until 20 December2. Flu vaccinations for children began in September for the new school year, and pregnant women have been able to get their jab from 1 September1. The flu vaccination campaign launched on 1 September, with appointments running across autumn and winter3.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended that adults aged 65 and over, residents in older adult care homes, and those with underlying health conditions aged 6 months to 64 years are eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations1. The Government also decided that COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be offered to frontline health and social care staff, with staff in older adult care homes being offered the COVID-19 jab1. The eligible groups are set out below.
| Eligible from 1 September (flu) | Eligible from 3 October (flu) | Eligible for seasonal COVID-19 vaccination |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnant women | Those aged 65 years and over | Residents in a care home for older adults |
| 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) | All adults aged 65 years and over |
| Primary school aged children (Reception to Year 6) | Those in long-stay residential care homes | Persons aged 6 months to 64 years in a clinical risk group, as defined in the Green Book, including pregnant women |
| Secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11) | Carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or the main carer of an elderly or disabled person | Frontline health and social care workers and staff in care homes for older adults |
| All children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years | Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals | |
| Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme |
Source: NHS England eligibility lists1.
The RSV jab, introduced earlier in September, is available to those aged 75 to 79 and is being offered to pregnant women from 28 weeks to protect their child1. The NHS said it is more effective for people to have the RSV vaccination on a different day from any flu or COVID-19 vaccinations1. For adults eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccines, the NHS will make them available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit1.
"The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be life-saving and are our best defences against these viruses, and it takes just a few minutes to book online or via the NHS App or 119, so I would urge everyone eligible to do so, to protect themselves and people around them."
NHS England said flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting adult vaccinations from October will ensure those most at risk are protected during the colder months1. It reported that last winter, at the peak of flu cases, there were 2,478 patients in hospital with flu each day, 2.5 times higher than the same week in 2023 (961)3. Last year the NHS delivered more than 18 million flu vaccinations to adults and children3.
Why it matters for households
Households in England with members in the eligible groups can book from 23 September for appointments from 3 October1. The NHS said eligible people will begin receiving invitations, while GP practices and other local NHS services will also contact people to offer both vaccines; the flu vaccine can also be booked by searching online for a local pharmacy1. Pregnant women are encouraged to book their RSV vaccine via their maternity service or GP practice, and older adults should wait to be invited by the NHS3. The NHS said 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 UK Health Security Agency's Dr Julie Yates said many people who are more vulnerable to severe illness from flu and COVID-19 are not aware they are at greater risk and eligible, and that anyone unsure should speak with a trusted nurse or doctor1. The health emergencies hub covers wider household health planning, and who can get a COVID-19 vaccine now sets out eligibility.
What happens next
Appointments for eligible adults run from 3 October, with booking available until 20 December2.
Sources (3)
- NHS England » NHS booking opens for life-saving flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, england.nhs.uk
- NHS England » Millions to get protected ahead of winter in NHS vaccine rollout, england.nhs.uk
- NHS England » NHS urges parents to help protect their children ahead of winter with flu vaccine rollout, england.nhs.uk
