On this page...

The flu and COVID vaccines are offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill.

Eligible people will be invited to book in for their vaccination soon. You will receive an invite when its your turn, there is no need to contact your GP practice at this time.

Flu vaccine availability

The following cohorts are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine.

From 1 September:

  • All children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025.
  • School-aged children from Reception to Year 11 (inclusive).
  • Children aged 6 months to under 18 years in clinical risk groups.
  • Pregnant women.

From 1 October:

  • People aged 65 years and over.
  • People aged 18 to under 65 years in clinical risk groups.
  • All frontline health and social care workers.
  • Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
  • Residents in long-stay residential care homes.

COVID vaccine eligibility

Some people may also be eligible for a COVID vaccine which will also be offered from 1 October. Where possible, both the flu and COVID vaccine will be offered at the same time.

  • adults aged 75 years and over.
  • residents in care homes for older adults.
  • individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over.

How to access a flu or COVID vaccine

  • Via your GP surgery – you will receive an invite inviting you to book, there is no need to contact your GP surgery at this time. Please note, these appointments are not available on the national booking system (NBS).
  • Via the national booking system (NBS) – People may choose to book an appointment at a participating pharmacy through the NHS App or on the NHS website. Alternatively, people who aren’t able to book online can call 119 where translators will also be available to support people if needed.
  • Children at school will be offered their flu nasal spray vaccine at school by the School Age Immunisation Service at Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust.
  • Pregnant women may be able to access a flu vaccine via local maternity services.

Additional COVID-19 vaccinations for people with a severely weakened immune system

If you develop a new health condition or start treatment that severely weakens your immune system, you may need additional protection outside of the seasonal vaccination programme.

If you are eligible your GP and/or Specialist doctor will discuss this with you and refer you for vaccination if you choose to take up the offer. If you believe you’re eligible but have not been referred please discuss with your GP or specialist.

Resources

Flu vaccines on the NHS website

COVID vaccines on the NHS website.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that can cause serious lung conditions.

From 1 September 2024, the NHS in Gloucestershire will be rolling out a new vaccination programme to protect those most vulnerable from RSV.

  • Adults will be invited for the vaccine by their GP practice when they turn 75.
  • GP practices will be running a ‘catch up’ programme for adults already aged 75-79. Those eligible will receive an invite to book, there is no need to call your GP practice at this time.
  • Women will also be eligible for the vaccine when pregnant (between 28 and 36 weeks). This will be offered by a midwife, though you may also be able to get it from your GP practice.

Resources

There are several vaccinations that pregnant women should consider having to protect themselves and their baby.

 

What When Where

Pertussis (Whooping cough)

 

Adacel vaccine (Pertussis, Diptheria and Tetanus)

 From 16 weeks of pregnancy, and ideally before 32 weeks.  Vaccine offered year-round

GP practice

Antenatal clinics
RSV From 28 weeks of pregnancy, as close to this date as possible. Vaccine offered year-round

Antenatal clinic

 

 
Flu Any time during pregnancy -vaccine offered September to March

GP practice

Antenatal clinics

Community pharmacy

 

 

 

Getting your vaccines at antenatal clinics

Vaccines are available at the antenatal clinics at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital or Cheltenham General Hospital. Women can get vaccines whilst at the antenatal clinic for a scan or appointment, or call to ask when best to drop in.

Call the antenatal clinics on:

  • Cheltenham – 0300 422 2346 or 0300 422 2347
  • Gloucester – 0300 422 6103 or 0300 422 5120 / 5127

More information

Pregnancy: how to help protect you and your baby – GOV.UK

Vaccinations in pregnancy – NHS