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Flu jab season 2026: dates confirmed and how to book
The NHS has confirmed this year's national flu vaccination dates. Our own clinics at Wellsway, for adults and children alike, run from 1 October. Here is who qualifies for a free jab and how to book yours at Wellsway Pharmacy in Bath via the NHS App or 119.
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 (GP surgery or school) |
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|---|---|
| From 1 October (including at Wellsway) |
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| By the end of November |
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Who can get a free NHS flu jab
Eligibility is broadly the same as last year, with people experiencing homelessness now added to the service. 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, are experiencing homelessness, 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. We also provide the NHS children's flu service from 1 October: most 2 and 3 year olds, and children aged 4 to 17 in eligible risk groups. For adults, the NHS national booking service is open now: book through the NHS App, on nhs.uk, or by calling 119, and choose Wellsway as your pharmacy. Appointments at Wellsway run from 1 October, when our vaccine delivery arrives, and walk-ins are available from October as stock allows. Our flu vaccination service is free on the NHS for eligible adults. Not eligible? You can still protect yourself with a private flu jab booked directly with us, just ask.
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. Not sure whether you qualify? Call 01225 427456 and we'll check with you in under a minute.
