The NHS in Gloucestershire is launching the next phase of its annual flu vaccination campaign this week. People aged 65 and over, those with long-term health conditions, and health and social care workers are now eligible for a flu jab.

People aged 75 and over and those who are immunosuppressed are also eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine from 1 October.

This follows the earlier rollout of the flu vaccine to children and pregnant women, which began on 1 September.

Local NHS services have started inviting people to book their vaccinations, mostly through GP surgeries. There’s no need to contact your GP at this stage. Some people may also be able to get vaccinated at a local pharmacy.

Taking up the offer of the flu vaccine helps reduce serious illness and protects vulnerable groups. This means fewer people need care in hospital.

Flu season usually peaks in December and January, so starting most adult vaccinations from October will help protect those most at risk during the colder months—when viruses spread more easily indoors.

Vaccination doesn’t just protect individuals—it helps safeguard the wider community. By reducing the spread of flu and COVID-19, we can help keep schools open, workplaces running, and vulnerable people safe. Every jab makes a difference in keeping Gloucestershire healthy this winter.

Local leaders urge eligible people to get vaccinated.

Dr Hein Le Roux, local GP and Deputy Medical Director, said:

“Flu and COVID-19 can be serious, especially for older people and those with long-term conditions. The vaccines are the best protection we have.

“If you’re eligible for one or both vaccines, it’s important to take up the offer as soon as you’re invited to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell and to protect our wider community.”

Siobhan Farmer, Director of Public Health at Gloucestershire County Council, said:

“As we head into the autumn and winter months, it’s more important than ever that we all take steps to protect ourselves, which includes taking up the offer of vaccinations if eligible.

“Our most vulnerable residents are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell over winter.

“Vaccines remain the best protection we have against seasonal viruses like COVID and flu. If you’re eligible for the flu or COVID jab (or both) this winter, I urge you to take up the offer as soon as possible.”

Matt Holdaway, Chief Nurse, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“For health and care workers, getting your flu vaccine isn’t just about protecting yourself—it’s about protecting your patients, your colleagues, and your loved ones.

“Staying healthy means we can continue delivering safe, high-quality care when it’s needed most.

“My message to our colleagues is: please don’t wait—get vaccinated and help keep our NHS and care system strong this winter.”

How to get vaccinated in Gloucestershire

  • Via appointment at a GP practice – please note that these appointments are not available on the national booking system and people will receive an invite directly from local NHS services to book when it’s their turn. People eligible may be offered their COVID booster and flu jab at the same appointment subject to supplies
  • Via the national booking system (NBS) – some people may choose to book an appointment at a number of community pharmacies across the county using the NBS telephone number and website. You may be offered both vaccines at the same appointment, if you’re eligible. https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/
  • Pregnant women may be able to get their flu and COVID vaccinations via local maternity services. Speak to your midwife who will be able to advise
  • Primary school and secondary school pupils up to year 11 will be offered a flu nasal spray via the school vaccination programme.

Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?

From 1 September:

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

From 1 October:

  • People aged 65 and over
  • People aged 18 to under 65 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.

Health conditions that increase flu risk include:

  • Chronic respiratory, heart, kidney, or liver disease
  • Neurological conditions
  • Diabetes
  • Problems with the spleen
  • Learning disabilities
  • Severe mental illness
  • Being overweight (BMI of 40 or above).

Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine?

From 1 October:

  • Adults aged 75 and over
  • residents in a care home for older adults
  • Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Immunosuppressed individuals may include those who:

  • Have had blood cancer (e.g. leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma)
  • Have had an organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant
  • Have HIV
  • Have a genetic disorder affecting the immune system
  • Are receiving certain treatments (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroids, antibody therapies)
  • Take long-term immunosuppressive medicines for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, scleroderma or psoriasis.