Flu Vaccines

This year, adults can get the flu vaccine from early October. This is a bit later than before. The reason is that the flu vaccine in adults wears off over time. Having it in October means you are better protected when flu usually spreads in December. This is why the Government has asked us to wait until October to start.

For children, the flu vaccine starts in September. Flu often spreads in children before it spreads in adults. The vaccine lasts longer in children, so starting in September helps protect them early and stops flu spreading to others.

Who can get a free flu vaccine (adults)?

  • Everyone aged 65 or older

  • Pregnant women

  • Adults with some long-term health conditions

These people are more at risk of becoming very unwell with flu. The vaccine gives them the best protection.

If you are not in one of these groups, you can still pay for a flu vaccine at your local pharmacy.

If you’re not sure whether you can get a free flu vaccine, please send an Anima Request. Our nursing team will check for you and let you know.

 Children – Who is eligible for a flu vaccine?

  • Children who are 2 or 3 years old on 31st August 2025
  • Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

How to book:

  • Parents of eligible children aged 2 or 3 will receive a booking link in September from their GP surgery.
  • Appointments are available at various times, including some Saturdays, to help families fit this in around nursery, preschool, or work schedules.

For children in school (Reception to Year 11):

Children in school years R to 11 can get their flu vaccine from the school nursing team.
If a child misses their vaccine at school or needs extra help, parents should talk to the school nurses. The nurses can arrange catch up clinics and give extra support for children who might find it harder, like those who feel worried.

Parents can find the school nurses’ contact details on these websites:

If your child attends a school in the Southampton City Council area, please visit School nursing (southampton.gov.uk)

If your child attends a school in Hampshire please visit School Nursing – Hampshire :: Healthier Together (what0-18.nhs.uk)

When will I get my flu vaccine? 

Children will receive invitations for flu vaccine clinics in September.

Adults will receive their invitations in September to book for our clinics in October.

Our planned flu clinic dates are:

  • Saturday 4th of October at West End Surgery
  • Saturday 11th at Ladies Walk
  • Saturday 17th at Weston Lane
  • There will also be regular weekday clinics at St Lukes and Bitterne Park during October

You can attend any clinic that is convenient to you, you do not need to visit your usual site.

For patients who are registered as housebound we will plan our visits starting in October. As we have around 500 patients who are housebound the process of visiting individual houses takes much longer therefore, we expect that our housebound flu vaccine campaign will start in October but not be completed until November. 

Flu Vaccinations for Housebound Patients

Home visits for patients registered as housebound will begin on 1st October. As we have approximately 500 housebound patients, the vaccination process will take some time. We anticipate that all home visits will be completed by November.

If you are registered as housebound, you do not need to contact us — our team will reach out to arrange your visit.

 How do I book my flu vaccine? 

We will be in touch via text message or your preferred method of contact to invite you to book your vaccine via a booking link. Our text messages are sent out over several days as we have thousands of patients to invite, so do not worry if your friend or relative receives their text before you. We have enough appointments and enough vaccine for everyone who needs one. 

Covid booster vaccines

This autumn, the COVID-19 booster programme will primarily be delivered by community pharmacies.

For patients who are registered as housebound, the partnership team will provide the COVID-19 booster at the same time as their home flu vaccination visit.

All other eligible patients should visit the NHS website to book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment and find their nearest clinic:
Book, change or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment – NHS