Flu Vaccine

Having your annual flu vaccination helps protect you against seasonal flu and reduces your risk of becoming seriously unwell. Whether you are concerned about your health, missing work or protecting vulnerable family members, speak to Junction Pharmacy about NHS and private flu vaccination in Brixton, London.

Flu viruses change and protection from vaccination reduces over time, so it is important to have a flu vaccine each year. The vaccine usually takes up to two weeks to provide protection. You can still catch flu after vaccination, but it is likely to be milder.

The information below applies to the 2026/27 flu vaccination season in England.

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

For the 2026/27 season, you can receive a free NHS flu vaccination if you:

• Are aged 65 or over, including anyone who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027.
• Are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions.
• Are pregnant. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of pregnancy.
• Live in a long-stay residential care home.
• Receive Carer’s Allowance or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system, for example because of a health condition or treatment.
• Are aged 16 or over and are sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter.

Being aged 50 to 64 does not, on its own, make you eligible.
You must meet one of the eligibility criteria above.

Eligible health conditions include diabetes, certain breathing conditions, chronic heart, kidney, liver or neurological conditions, a learning disability, a weakened immune system, spleen problems, and a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above. This is not a complete list. Our pharmacist or your GP can help check whether your condition qualifies.

Frontline health and social care workers should normally receive their flu vaccination through their employer. Certain frontline social care workers without access to an employer-led vaccination scheme can receive a free NHS vaccine, including eligible staff working in registered care homes, home-care services and voluntary-managed hospices, and personal assistants employed through direct payments or personal health budgets.

Children and younger people have separate NHS vaccination arrangements. Please contact our team before using the booking form for anyone under 18 so we can advise on the appropriate service.

When should I have my flu vaccine?

NHS flu vaccinations for most eligible adults started on 1 October 2026.
Vaccination during pregnancy has been available from 1 September 2026.
Some people may also be advised by their clinician to have an earlier vaccination for medical reasons.

Aim to be vaccinated during autumn, ideally by the end of November. Eligible people can still receive their NHS flu vaccination until 31 March 2027. Appointments are subject to availability.

Can I have a private flu vaccination?

If you do not qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine, ask us about our private flu vaccination service in Brixton, London. A charge applies, and vaccination is subject to age, clinical suitability and vaccine availability. Please speak to our team about the current price before booking.

Who should check before having the flu jab?

Most people can have a flu vaccination. However, please speak to our pharmacist before vaccination if any of the following applies:

• You are unwell with a high temperature:
  wait until you have recovered before being vaccinated. A minor illness without a fever does not usually mean you need to delay.
• You have had a severe allergic reaction to a previous flu vaccine or one of its ingredients:
  you need clinical assessment before vaccination. A specialist may be able to recommend a suitable alternative.

Egg allergy alone is not a reason to avoid the flu vaccine.
Current UK guidance allows people with an egg allergy to receive any flu vaccine that is otherwise suitable for them, including egg-based vaccines. This is different from having had a severe allergic reaction to a flu vaccine itself, which still requires assessment.

Are there any side effects?

Common side effects include a sore arm, mild aches or a slightly raised temperature. These usually improve within one or two days. Serious allergic reactions are very rare. The injected flu vaccine does not contain live flu viruses and cannot give you flu.

Book your flu vaccination in Brixton, London

Please speak to our friendly team about eligibility, suitability and availability for your NHS or private flu vaccination.

Use the calendar below to book an appointment.

Information checked on 6 October 2026. Sources:
NHS flu vaccine guidance,
England’s 2026/27 flu vaccination programme,
UKHSA eligibility guidance
and
UKHSA egg-allergy guidance.