More than 10 million NHS flu vaccinations have been given in England since bookings opened in August and vaccinations began in September, including 2.7 million in a single week, according to figures released by the Department of Health and Social Care on 22 October 2026.
The government has launched a social media campaign on Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and, for the first time, TikTok. It is also promoting a new NHS App feature that lets people check whether they are eligible and book a flu vaccination at a community pharmacy. A catch-up programme through community pharmacies for school-age children who missed their vaccination is due to start on 1 December.
UKHSA estimates that flu vaccination prevented around 100,000 hospital admissions and 7,000 deaths in England in the last year. For most adults, the 2026 to 2027 programme started on 1 October, while pregnant women and children were offered vaccination from September. Groups eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine include adults aged 65 and over, people with certain long-term conditions, pregnant women and carers. The announcement says eligible people can book through the NHS website or NHS App, by calling 119, through their GP or at a participating pharmacy.