Encouraging vaccination take-up

Autumn/winter 2025-26 flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign

Update 8 September 2025

An information leaflet and sticker are available for the COVID-19 autumn vaccination programme: COVID-19 vaccination: autumn programme resources - GOV.UK.
 

Update 2 September 2025

The NHS National Booking System has opened for all eligible individuals in England to book their winter flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, with appointments available from 1 October 2025.

UKHSA has released the first version of their Winter Health Stakeholder Communications Toolkit 2025/26, developed jointly with NHS England for professionals working in health and social care. This comprehensive resource helps raise awareness of seasonal vaccination, with a particular focus on supporting healthcare and care staff uptake. The toolkit includes background information, programme details, eligible cohorts, statistics, key messages, FAQs and links to useful resources.

The toolkit is available on Google Drive.

The flu vaccination programme for children and pregnant women began on 1 September. For more details, see: NHS kicks off winter vaccine roll out with flu jabs for children and pregnant women.

UKHSA say information for the public - including pregnant women, children aged 2-16, and people living with certain long-term health conditions - will be added to the Campaign Resource Centre from mid-September.

A rule change, also announced yesterday, will allow doctors and pharmacists to prescribe flu medicines year-round. More from: Government to combat flu outbreaks by removing red tape - GOV.UK.
 

Flu vaccination

National flu immunisation programme plan 2025 to 2026

The Department of Health and Social Care, NHS England and the UK Health Security Agency published their annual flu letter, dated 13 February 2025, which sets out guidance for the 2025 to 2026 season.

From October 2025, the exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course, the following cohorts are announced and authorised to be eligible to receive a flu vaccination: 

• Those aged 65 years and over.
• Those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19).
• Those in long-stay residential care homes. 
• Carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person. 
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals.
• Frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme.

This includes those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets.

Social care workers directly working with people clinically vulnerable to flu should also have the flu vaccine provided by their employer. There are circumstances where frontline staff, employed by specific social care providers without access to employer led occupational health schemes (see cohort eligibility), can access the vaccine through the NHS free of charge.

Subsequently, an Amendment to national flu immunisation programme 2025 to 2026 letter - GOV.UK, dated 28 July 2025, states that 'community pharmacies will be able to offer 2-3-year-olds flu vaccinations during the 2025 to 2026 flu season. Community pharmacy service delivery will begin from 1 October 2025, supplementing the offer in General Practice who will start vaccinating from the 1 September 2025, or as soon as vaccine is available'.
 

COVID-19 vaccination

In line with JCVI advice of 13 November 2024, frontline health and social care workers and staff working in care homes for older adults will not be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination under the national programme for autumn 2025.

The Government has accepted the advice from the JCVI, agreeing that a COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to those in the population most vulnerable to serious outcomes from COVID-19 and who are therefore most likely to benefit from vaccination.

From Autumn 2025, only the following people will meet the eligibility requirements: 

• Adults aged 75 years and over. 
• Residents in a care home for older adults. 
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in tables 3 and 4 of the COVID-19 chapter of the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Green Book on immunisation against infectious disease. 

Learn more here.  
 

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination

There is a vaccination programme for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs.

The RSV vaccine is recommended:

• For those aged 75 to 79
• For those who are pregnant – the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy (from 28 weeks onwards) to help protect the baby after they're born

Older adults

From 1 September 2024, those who turn 75 and those aged 75 to 79 are eligible for a free vaccine to protect them from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). More from:

Your guide to the RSV vaccine for older adults - GOV.UK

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine will remain available all year round.

Pregnant women

There is also a programme for pregnant women to protect infants. There is an  information leaflet about the vaccination programme here: A guide to RSV vaccination for pregnant women - GOV.UK.

Respiratory infections

There is Guidance for people with symptoms of a respiratory infection, including COVID-19.


Flu vaccination

There is guidance on the flu vaccination programme for 2025-26 here: Eligible groups in the 2025 to 2026 flu immunisation programme [HTML] | GOV.WALES

Flu vaccination information: https://phw.nhs.wales/topics/immunisation-and-vaccines/fluvaccine/

Influenza (flu) - Information for health and social care workers eligible for the vaccine:

Eligible groups in the 2025 to 2026 flu immunisation programme [HTML] | GOV.WALES

Domiciliary care workers are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine - this is generally given at their community pharmacy.

Information on awareness-raising: National immunisation framework for Wales | GOV.WALES.
 

COVID-19 vaccination

Eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 vaccination programme autumn 2025 in Wales is available here: The national COVID-19 vaccination programme autumn 2025 (WHC/2025/022) | GOV.WALES.

In line with the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, eligibility will be narrower than in previous autumn and winter campaigns, focussing only on those most vulnerable to the disease. 

The programme will commence on 1 October 2025 and conclude on 31 January 2026.

The guidance states health boards should actively issue first appointment invitations to all eligible people to receive a vaccination as early as possible in the programme but by no later than 31 December 2025.

RSV vaccination programme in Wales

There is information on the RSV vaccination programme in Wales at:

Eligibility for RSV vaccination in Wales.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination information - Public Health Wales

NHS 111 Wales - Vaccinations

Flu vaccination

There is information about the flu vaccination campaign in Scotland for 2025-26, which mirrors the 2024-25 programme, in the Chief Medical Officer's letter of 14 April 2025: cmo-2025-06.pdf.

This states, in paragraph 12: 

"It is imperative that timely flu immunisation of all frontline health and social care workers (HSCWs) in direct contact with patients/clients remains a central element in our objective to protect the most vulnerable in our society. In addition, non-frontline NHS staff are eligible for the seasonal flu vaccine in 2025/26. Health Boards are asked to make vaccines as easily accessible as possible, including offering HSCW drop-in clinics and workplace vaccination. HSCW’s may also book their vaccination using the online portal or national vaccination helpline. It is also possible for HSCW’s to book an appointment at any venue across Scotland, for example somewhere close to where they work or visit regularly."

Further details of flu immunisation is available at: Introduction - Scottish Vaccine Update - issue 87 - Scottish Vaccine Update - Publications - Public Health Scotland

More about roll-out: Scotland Confirms Flu Vaccine Plans for 2025–26 Season - Scottish Pharmacy.
 

COVID-19 vaccination

In line with the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, eligibility will be narrower than in previous autumn and winter campaigns, focussing only on those most vulnerable to the disease. 

Who’s eligible for the 2025 COVID-19 vaccine, or ‘Autumn Booster’? – UK Health Security Agency

COVID-19 vaccination - Vaccination - COVID-19 NEW - Infectious diseases - Health protection - Population health - Public Health Scotland

The coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine | NHS inform

RSV vaccination

There is information on RSV vaccination in Scotland at:

Older adults encouraged to take up RSV vaccine offer - News - Public Health Scotland

RSV vaccine for adults | NHS inform

Flu vaccination

There is information about flu vaccination here: Flu vaccine | nidirect.

Health and social care workers are among the eligible groups for flu vaccination:

https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/flu-vaccine#toc-4

Health and social care workers

All health and social care workers can receive the flu vaccine.

You can get the vaccine:

• from your employer (if your employer offers this service
• at a participating community pharmacy(external link opens in a new window / tab)
• from your local Trust
• your GP
   

COVID-19 vaccination

The advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation is that eligibility should be narrower than in previous autumn and winter campaigns, focussing only on those most vulnerable to the disease. 

COVID-19 Vaccination Programme information materials | HSC Public Health Agency.

More information about the Covid-19 autumn booster 2025 will be added when it becomes available.
 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination programme launches in Northern Ireland | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)

For older adults: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults | nidirect

For pregnant women: Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine for pregnant women | nidirect.

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage COVID-19 vaccination take-up, when health and social care workers were eligible for vaccination. (They are no longer unless eligible as individuals).

These resources are retained pending conclusion of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry.

Resources issued on 23 October 2022:

• Pregnant Women – DHSC video featuring Dr Viki Male, an immunologist researching vaccines in pregnancy at Imperial College. She explains some of the data and encourages pregnant women to come forward for their autumn booster: Twitter and Facebook.
• Autumn Booster graphic – outlines the eligibility for online booking: Twitter.
• Explainer Video – featuring the Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Thomas Waite, outlining the importance of getting vaccinated if eligible: Twitter and Facebook.

Communications pack launched to accompany vaccination campaign (homecareassociation.org.uk)

There is technical health information on COVID-19 vaccination and who should receive it at: COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a

These are video clips by NHS doctors, nurses and other frontline staff to reassure communities that COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and have been independently tested to the highest standards.  They are recorded in 18 languages, with a downloadable script in English.

Webinar – Your questions answered on the COVID-19 vaccine

This is a recording of a DHSC webinar for careworkers featuring Professor Jonathan Van Tam, Deputy Chief Medical Officer and Dr Nicki Kanani, GP and Deputy Lead of the COVID-19 Programme answering questions on topics such as side effects, and pregnancy and fertility.

Webinar: Your Questions Answered on the COVID-19 vaccine - YouTube, 21 May 2021.

Additional resources to address vaccine hesitancy

• NHSE/I series of animations and suggested information aimed at tackling disinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine and encouraging uptake among ethnic minority groups. The animations are available in 17 different languages available from YouTube.
• Dr Ammalina Bakri Insta Live Q&A on vaccine hesitancy
• NHS video: every vaccine gives us hope  
• Main link on the NHS website for the public to find out more information about the vaccine
• NHS video: what is the vaccine and how does it work?
• SE London ICS video: Tyrick’s Story
• SE London ICS video: Olie and Kadi’s story
• Videos from Islington Council showing social care staff, and local community leaders talking about their views and experiences about getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
• Shareable video with comedian Jason Forbes challenging misconceptions.
• DCMS toolkit to tackle false and misleading information about the vaccine.
• Why is there Vaccine Hesitancy in the Black Community? (africacentre.org.uk)
• Vaccinations and religious belief - developments (homecareassociation.org.uk)

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage COVID-19 vaccination take-up, and are retained pending conclusion of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. 

Pregnant Women

COVID-19 vaccination: a guide on pregnancy and breastfeeding - GOV.UK)

DHSC video featuring Dr Viki Male, an immunologist researching vaccines in pregnancy at Imperial College. She explains some of the data and encourages pregnant women to come forward for their autumn booster: Twitter and Facebook.

There is a section in COVID-19: the green book, chapter 14a on pregnancy and fertility and COVID-19 vaccination and information at:

• COVID-19 vaccination: women who are pregnant or breastfeeding - GOV.UK
• Guidance - Safety of COVID-19 vaccines when given in pregnancy
• COVID-19 vaccines, pregnancy and breastfeeding, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

Department of Health and Social Care information states:

• Vaccination remains the best way to protect against the known risks of Covid-19 in pregnancy for both mother and baby, including admission to intensive care and premature birth.
• Research shows pregnant women are more likely to become seriously ill from COVID-19 and 98 per cent of those in hospital due to COVID-19 are unvaccinated. Published data from mid-July show no pregnant woman who has had two doses of the vaccine was hospitalised from COVID-19 in the UK.  
• Pregnant women are also more likely to have severe COVID-19 infection if they are overweight or obese. The Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (RCOG) and the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) recommend vaccination as one of the best defences against severe infection. The JCVI recommends Pfizer or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines as the preferred vaccines for pregnant women coming for their first dose.
• Advice for all women of childbearing age, pregnant or breastfeeding is here. If you are 40 or over, and are booking your COVID-19 vaccination on NBS you’ll be asked if you are pregnant. This is to make sure people who are pregnant are only shown appointments for Pfizer or Moderna vaccines.
• Here is a video from Jacqueline Dunkley-Bent, Chief Midwife for NHS England and NHS Improvement.
• NHS England » NHS encourages pregnant women to get COVID-19 vaccine

These resources relate to previous campaigns to encourage COVID-19 vaccination take-up and are retained pending conclusion of the UK COVID-19 Inquiry. 

Sources of information include the British Fertility Society, Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG).

BFS & ARCS Covid-19 Vaccines & Fertility - updated FAQs - British Fertility Society and Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists 

The RCOG FAQs are here – Also on this page is a video from Prof Lucy Chappell about how the vaccine does not impact fertility. 

There is a British Medical Journal article showing there is ‘no evidence that vaccines can affect fertility’. 

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility and coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination - NHS (www.nhs.uk)