Flu (influenza) is a serious illness that kills thousands of people and hospitalises thousands more in England each year. The flu vaccination is the best protection for you and those around you.
If you are eligible, it is important to top up your protection every year, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. It is safe to have your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same time.
If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine and are aged 18 years or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now. You can also book a vaccination appointment for a child aged 2 or 3 years.
Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026 for most people. Some people, including anyone who is pregnant and eligible children, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2026.
If you’re eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine, you can book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App now.
Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2026.
Check your eligibility on the NHS website
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.
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.
The MenB vaccine helps protect against meningococcal group B bacteria, which can cause serious illnesses including meningitis and sepsis (blood poisoning). While uncommon, these infections can develop quickly and become life-threatening.
The MenB vaccination programme is available to:
Appointments are available through participating community pharmacies across Gloucestershire.
You must book your appointment in advance through the NHS National Booking Service. You can:
The MenB vaccine is given as two doses, at least four weeks apart.
If appointments are not immediately available, please check the booking system regularly as more appointments will be added.
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:
More information