Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations

For the 2026/27 season, you may be eligible if you:

• are aged 65 or over, including if you will be 65 by 31 March 2027
• are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
• are an eligible frontline health or social care worker

Qualifying health conditions can include asthma requiring a steroid inhaler or tablets, COPD, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, a weakened immune system, spleen problems, learning disabilities, or a BMI of 40 or above.

For the winter 2026 programme, the NHS offers vaccination to people who:

• are aged 75 or over, including if they will be 75 by 31 January 2027
• are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• live in a care home for older adults

A weakened immune system may be caused by conditions such as blood cancer, HIV or certain genetic disorders, or by treatments including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroids and long-term immunosuppressive medicines. This is not a complete list, so ask our pharmacist, your GP or your specialist if you are unsure.

Please note: NHS eligibility includes some children, but the vaccination service at SN Plus is for people aged 18 or over. Contact your GP or local NHS vaccination service for an eligible person under 18.

Yes. NHS guidance says the COVID-19 vaccine can be given at the same time as the flu vaccine in winter. Our pharmacist will confirm what is suitable for you.

You do not need to book for a flu vaccination because it is a walk-in service. Please call us on 01905 317880 before visiting for a COVID-19 vaccination so we can confirm availability.

Side effects are usually mild and short-lived. They can include a sore arm, tiredness, a headache, body aches, a slightly raised temperature or mild flu-like symptoms. Contact NHS 111 if your symptoms get worse or you are worried.

No. The injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses, and the COVID-19 vaccine cannot give you a COVID-19 infection.

Tell our pharmacy team about any allergies before you are vaccinated, especially a serious reaction to a previous vaccine or vaccine ingredient. Some flu vaccines contain egg protein. Most people with allergies can have a COVID-19 vaccine, but our pharmacist will advise whether you need a particular vaccine or specialist assessment.

If you have a high temperature or feel very unwell, wait until you feel better. If you have or think you have COVID-19, wait until you are feeling better before having a vaccine. Ask our team if you are unsure whether to attend.

Flu viruses change, so the flu vaccine is updated and offered every year. COVID-19 viruses also change and protection fades over time, so eligible people are offered seasonal doses to top up their protection.

No. Vaccinations at SN Plus are currently for people aged 18 or over. If someone under 18 is eligible for an NHS vaccine, contact their GP or local NHS vaccination service.