Eligible pregnant women and children across Lincolnshire are being encouraged to come forward for their free flu vaccination as the NHS launches this year’s seasonal flu programme.
Who is eligible?
As of 1 September 2026, flu vaccinations are available for:
- Pregnant women
- Children aged two or three years on 31 August 2026
- Children aged 4 years who have not started school yet
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- Children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
The wider flu vaccination programme for other eligible groups will begin from 1 October 2026, helping to protect those most at risk from serious illness during the winter months.
Why getting vaccinated matters
Flu is not just a heavy cold. It is a highly infectious virus that can lead to serious complications, hospital admission and, in some cases, death, particularly for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Pregnant women are urged to take up the offer of a free flu vaccination to help protect both themselves and their baby. Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy lowers the risk of serious illness and can help protect babies during the first few months of life after they are born.
Parents and carers are also being encouraged to ensure eligible children receive their flu vaccination. Vaccinating children not only helps protect them from becoming seriously unwell but can also reduce the spread of flu to friends, family members and more vulnerable people in the community.
“Flu can be a very serious illness, particularly for pregnant women, young children and people with existing health conditions. This is why we’re encouraging everyone who is eligible from 1 September, especially pregnant women and parents of young children, to take up the offer as soon as possible,” explains Steve Clapton, Head of Immunisation & Screening,NHS Lincolnshire Integrated Care Board.
“If you’re pregnant, or you have a child eligible for a flu vaccination, please don’t put it off. Taking up the offer early helps protect you and your family before flu begins circulating more widely this winter. Getting vaccinated is one of the best ways to protect yourself, your family and those around you ahead of the winter months.”
Groups eligible from 1 October
From 1 October, flu vaccinations will be available for the groups listed below, who encouraged to come forward when invited by their GP practice, pharmacy or healthcare provider (although you do not have to wait to be invited provided you are eligible):
- people aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31st March 2027)
- people aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
- women who are pregnant
- people who live in a care home
- people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- people who are experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Where you can get the flu vaccine
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Pregnant women can receive their free NHS flu vaccination through their GP practice, maternity service or a participating community pharmacy.
All children aged two or three years and clinically at risk children aged 4 to 17 can receive their vaccination at their GP practice (from 1 September 2026) or a participating community pharmacy (from 1 October 2026).
Appointments at participating community pharmacies can be booked online Book, change or cancel a flu vaccination appointment – NHS.
School-aged children will be offered the flu vaccine at school by the local school-aged immunisation service. Parents and carers will receive a consent form to complete prior to the Lincolnshire Community Health Service Vaccination Team attending the school. The team can be contacted by telephone on 01522 572950 or email lhnt.sais@nhs.net. Alternatively, visit Immunisations :: Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust.
Find out more
For more information about flu vaccination eligibility and how to get vaccinated, visit NHS Lincolnshire ICB’s Grab a Jab website Flu – Lincolnshire ICB or speak to your GP practice, midwife or local pharmacy.