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Pregnant women are among the first groups eligible for an NHS flu vaccination* this year, yet more than half did not receive a vaccination last season1
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Boots also encourages people to get vaccinated as early in the season as possible, after UKHSA data shows flu vaccinations reduced hospitalisation risk by up to 40% in adults aged 65 and over last year2
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Boots Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson addresses common flu vaccination misconceptions
Boots will start delivering the first wave of NHS flu vaccinations for eligible cohorts from 1 September, helping to protect those most at risk ahead of the flu season.
Pregnant women and young children** will be amongst the first eligible for the NHS flu vaccination. Despite a small increase in uptake, the NHS reports that more than half of pregnant women did not receive a flu vaccination during the last year’s flu season.
Flu can cause severe illness, particularly in vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions. Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights the effectiveness of the seasonal jab, showing that flu vaccinations significantly reduced the risk of hospitalisation by up to 40% in adults aged 65 and over during last year’s flu season.
New research from Boots suggests that Brits are using autumn and the return of routine as an opportunity to prioritise their health, with 44% of Brits agreeing that September is up there as the ideal time for a reset5. For a third (32%), the biggest driver for making healthier changes at this time is seeking to futureproof their wellbeing before winter sets in3.
Similarly, Boots also reports a 20% increase YoY across flu jab bookings, suggesting Brits are thinking even earlier about immunity this year and before winter hits4.
Claire Nevinson, Superintendent Pharmacist at Boots, said: “With summer coming to an end, customers are already thinking about protecting themselves ahead of the flu season. Flu can make people feel very unwell and may pose a serious risk to those considered to be vulnerable. It’s a good idea to plan ahead and ensure you have your flu jab as early as possible to help protect yourself and those around you from flu and reduce the risk of passing the virus to others this winter.”
From 22 September, the Boots Private Winter Flu Jab service*** will be available in many Boots stores. Following this, on 1 October the wider roll out of the NHS flu vaccination will be made available to all eligible adult groups, including those aged 65 and over and adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions. The NHS childhood flu vaccination will be available in over 140 selected Boots stores.
Customers can book an appointment, check eligibility, view local store availability, or book an appointment at boots.com or speak with a team member at your local Boots pharmacy.
To help patients make informed decisions about their seasonal healthcare, Claire Nevinson answers five common questions:
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Does the flu jab give you flu?
“No, the flu vaccination contains a tiny amount of an inactive flu virus that cannot give you the flu. Some people may experience a temporary raised temperature and aching muscles, and you may feel sore at the injection site, but these side effects tend to be mild and only last for a day or so.”
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Can pregnant women get the flu vaccination?
“Yes, the flu jab is suitable and recommended at any stage of pregnancy, from the early weeks through to delivery. Pregnancy naturally alters how the body responds to infections, placing expectant mothers at higher risk of complications. Vaccination helps protect both mother and baby, passing on vital immunity during the baby’s first few months of life.”
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When should you get the flu vaccination?
“The best time to have a flu jab to ensure maximum protection is in the autumn months before the virus becomes more prevalent. This allows the body to obtain optimum protection. After you've received the jab, it usually takes around 10 to 14 days for optimum protection so it’s best to book your vaccination as early as you can.”
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Do you only need a flu vaccination only once in your life?
“No, protection from the flu vaccination declines with time and the types of flu virus in circulation change so the vaccination is updated each year. This is why it's important to get the flu vaccination every year.”
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Does the flu vaccination have side effects?
“Yes, like any vaccination, it is normal to experience mild side effects after receiving a flu vaccination. These side effects are a result of your body's natural immune response as it builds protection against the flu virus. The most common side effects, such as a sore arm, fever or fatigue are generally mild and tend to resolve within one to two days. To help your body recover and ease any discomfort, you can consider taking paracetamol if it’s suitable for you, stay well-hydrated, and ensure you get plenty of rest.”
1, NHS England, Vaccinations: Flu, 2025/26
2, UKHSA Influenza in the UK, annual epidemiological report: winter 2025 to 2026
3, Conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2000 UK Consumers (nat rep 18+). The data was collected between 05.08.2026 - 07.08.2026.
4, Boots booking data from 7 July 2025 – 25 August 2025 vs 7 July 2026 – 25 August 2026
*The free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab is available in most Boots pharmacies in England and Wales and in some Boots pharmacies in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. Also available in our Isle of Man pharmacy. Eligibility criteria apply and vary with locality. Subject to availability. Some people who do not meet the requirements for a free NHS (or other locally funded) flu jab in pharmacies can access the flu jab from their GP or in Scotland, at a vaccination centre. Speak to a member of our pharmacy team or see boots.com/flu for more details.
**Eligibility criteria apply. From 1 September 2026, NHS flu vaccinations are available for all pregnant women and for children aged 2 or 3 years.
*** The Boots Private Winter Flu Jab Service is available in almost 1,600 Boots stores. Service starts in September. Subject to specially trained pharmacist and stock availability. Eligibility criteria apply. Service costs £21.95 and £26.95 in Jersey. The service for those aged 11-15 is available in selected stores, injectable vaccine only. Appointments for those aged 11-15 are bookable in-store only. See boots.com/flu for more details.