Winter flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign launches to protect the most vulnerable

30 September 2026

 

From Thursday 1 October 2026, all eligible people can get vaccinated to protect themselves from becoming seriously unwell from the effects of the viruses particularly during the colder winter months when they spread at a faster rate. 

Health leaders in Northamptonshire are urging all residents to get their free vaccinations if they meet the eligibility criteria to protect them and those that are most vulnerable in the community.

Flu vaccinations

The eligible cohorts for the flu vaccination this autumn / winter includes:

• anyone aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
• anyone aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
• pregnant women at any stage of their pregnancy
• anyone that lives in a care home for older adults
• the main carer for an older or disabled person, or anyone who receives a carer's allowance
• anyone that lives with someone who has a weakened immune system
• those experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
• frontline health and social care workers who can get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Covid-19 vaccinations

The eligible cohorts for the Covid-19 vaccination this autumn / winter includes:

• those aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
• anyone aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• those that live in a care home for older adults.

We want to ensure that all eligible local people have the protection they need ahead of winter. Protecting those that need it most is vitally important to help prevent the spread of harmful viruses that could cause those most vulnerable from becoming seriously unwell and requiring admission into hospital for treatment.

Pneumonia and other serious illnesses can develop from flu and Covid-19 which is why we urge all eligible people to get vaccinated before winter fully sets in, so that the vaccines are fully effective within their bodies. It’s also important to remember that the immunity you have built up from previous vaccinations reduces over time and may not be as effective against new variants of both viruses. I really can’t stress enough vaccinations really do save lives.Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and Northamptonshire Integrated Care Boards

Pregnant women and children have been able to get the flu vaccine since 1 September 2026. Health leaders are also urging all pregnant women particularly those that are due to give birth this winter to protect their babies by having their whooping cough and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines when eligible as both of these viruses can be particularly harmful to newborn babies. Having these vaccines during pregnancy gives your baby some protection when they are born.

How to get your vaccination

Those that are eligible for either the flu or Covid-19 vaccine do not have to wait to receive an invitation from the NHS bookings team, or their GP practice to be able to book a vaccination appointment for Thursday 1 October onwards. 

Book an online appointment

You can find out more information and book an appointment online. 

Find a walk-in clinic

Alternatively you can find a walk-in clinic in Northamptonshire, where you can attend with no appointment. 

Find a mobile clinic

Mobile clinic locations are also available during October. Vaccinations are available from 10.30am-3.30pm at the following mobile clinic locations – no appointment is necessary: 

If you believe you are eligible you can check with your GP practice or you can check online. There must also be a gap of at least three months between Covid-19 vaccinations. The NHS App provides details of all your previous Covid-19 and flu vaccinations.

In Northamptonshire people can access their Covid-19 vaccines via their GP practice, community pharmacies or walk-in clinics. Pregnant women also have the option of getting vaccinated at their local antenatal clinic. 

Older people, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems are affected more by winter viruses and it’s why we’re encouraging them and all eligible people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. If you are unsure if you can get vaccinated visit our website or drop in to one of our walk-in vaccination clinics and speak to our clinical vaccination team.Dr Nil Sanganee, Chief Medical Officer of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and Northamptonshire Integrated Care Boards