Local hospitals see first flu patients: who can get vaccinated

London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust said on 25 September that its hospitals are already seeing their first flu patients. The trust, which runs Ealing Hospital, is encouraging eligible people to receive their vaccination at the time set for their group.

LNWH will begin its own staff vaccination programme next week. The aim is to protect staff, patients and employees’ families during the winter period. The trust’s chief medical officer highlighted how easily flu can spread where many people spend time in close proximity.

Who can be vaccinated now

The NHS programme for the 2026/27 season began on 1 September for pregnant women and children. It covers children who were aged two or three on 31 August, pupils from Reception to Year 11, and children from six months old who are in clinical risk groups. School vaccinations are arranged separately, while parents of younger children can obtain information from their GP practice.

For most eligible adults, vaccination starts on 1 October. This includes people aged 65 and over, adults under 65 with specified long-term health conditions, people living in care homes, those receiving Carer’s Allowance or acting as the main carer for an older or disabled person, and close household contacts of people with weakened immune systems. The NHS also includes some people experiencing homelessness.

How to book

Adults can book an appointment online or through the NHS App now, although appointments for most adults will take place from 1 October. A free vaccination may be available through a GP surgery, a participating pharmacy, a maternity service, a care home or an employer for health and social care staff. The NHS advises checking the conditions at an individual site because pharmacies may serve different age groups.

What to check

Anyone with a long-term health condition who is unsure about eligibility should ask their GP practice or specialist. The NHS says common side effects, including a sore arm, a slightly raised temperature or aching muscles, usually improve within one or two days. Injected flu vaccines used in the UK do not contain live flu viruses and cannot cause flu.

The vaccine normally takes up to 14 days to work. NHS guidance also explains that protection reduces over time and the strains covered by the vaccine are updated each year, which is why vaccination is offered annually. A person with a high temperature should wait until they feel better before receiving it. Anyone with a history of a serious allergic reaction to a previous dose or an ingredient should discuss this with the vaccinator.

The practical message for Ealing residents is that booking is open, but the correct start date depends on the group. Pregnant women and eligible children have been able to use the programme since September, while most other eligible people can be vaccinated from 1 October.