Flu Vaccination Leeds 2026/27

The national programme states there are no changes to the main eligible groups. Adult groups include:

• Adults aged 65 years and over
• Adults under 65 in a defined clinical risk group
• Pregnant women
• People living in long-stay residential care homes
• Eligible carers and close contacts of immunocompromised people
• Certain frontline social care workers without an employer-led scheme

Pregnant women and eligible children can be offered vaccination from 1 September 2026. The main adult programme begins on 1 October because protection can reduce over time and flu commonly peaks later in winter.

Children are usually vaccinated through school or GP pathways unless another commissioned route is available. The pharmacy must confirm that the local service is open for your group and that suitable stock is available.

The vaccinator checks identity, eligibility, allergies, previous reactions, current health and whether vaccination should be delayed. Most adult flu vaccines are injected into the upper arm.

A sore arm, tiredness, headache or mild aches can happen and normally improve within a few days. The injected vaccine cannot give you flu. Serious allergic reactions are rare, and vaccination teams are trained to respond.

Wear clothing that makes your upper arm easy to reach and bring any NHS invitation or eligibility information. Tell the vaccinator if you have a high temperature, previous severe allergic reaction, pregnancy or medicines that affect your immune system.

The flu vaccine is updated each season to match strains expected to circulate. Eligible people are offered vaccination each season because protection reduces over time.