Pharmacy news
← Back to news
Pharmacy news·
Flu jab season 2026: the dates are confirmed, and you can book with us now
The NHS has confirmed this year's flu vaccination dates: children and pregnant women from 1 September, everyone else eligible from 1 October. Here is who qualifies for a free jab and how to book yours at Wellsway Pharmacy in Bath.
Wellsway Pharmacy
The team
The NHS has confirmed the plan for this year's flu vaccination programme, and the dates are now set. Here is what that means if you live in Bath, and how to sort your jab through Wellsway.
This year's NHS flu vaccination dates
| From 1 September |
|
|---|---|
| From 1 October |
|
| By the end of November |
|
Who can get a free NHS flu jab
Eligibility has not changed from last year. You qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination if you are aged 65 or over, are pregnant, live in a care home, are a main carer or get carer's allowance, live with someone who has a weakened immune system, or have certain long-term conditions, including asthma that needs a steroid inhaler or tablets, COPD, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease, a neurological condition such as Parkinson's or MS, a weakened immune system, a BMI of 40 or above, or a learning disability. The full list is on the NHS flu vaccine page. Not sure if you qualify? Ask us and we will check with you in under a minute.
How to book your flu jab at Wellsway
Community pharmacies like ours vaccinate eligible adults on the NHS, no GP appointment needed. The NHS national online booking service opens nearer the start of the season, but you do not need to wait for it: call us on 01225 427456 or pop in, and we will book you in ready for when vaccinations begin. Our flu vaccination service is free on the NHS for eligible adults, and if you are not eligible you can still protect yourself with a private flu jab, just ask us about it.
If you had your jab with us last year, or you signed up for our prescription email alerts, keep an eye on your inbox. We will share updates as the season gets closer.
Why bother with a flu jab?
Flu is not just a bad cold. For older people, pregnant women and anyone with a long-term condition, it can be serious enough to mean hospital. The vaccine is updated every year to match the strains most likely to circulate, takes about two weeks to build protection, and cannot give you flu. Even if you still catch it, it is likely to be milder and shorter.
Find us at 2 Hayes Place, Bear Flat, open Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. Call 01225 427456 to get your name down.
