The NHS has begun its first phase of the autumn flu programme, offering vaccinations to children and pregnant women from 1 September 2026 as part of preparations for winter. The rollout is being positioned as an early push to protect families before the seasonal pressure on health services intensifies.
Millions eligible as programme gets under way
According to NHS England, millions of children and pregnant women can receive the flu jab from today, with teams also taking vaccines into local communities to make access easier. The service says the campaign is designed to improve protection ahead of the colder months, when flu cases typically rise and demand on hospitals increases.
The announcement comes as NHS England continues to highlight wider winter readiness measures. The health service has also said that eligible people, including pregnant women and children, can pre-book flu vaccinations through the national booking system.
Part of a broader seasonal care push
The flu campaign sits alongside other recent NHS activity focused on maternity, vaccination and patient access. NHS England has recently promoted self-referral for first midwife appointments in England, saying the online route should help mums-to-be get personalised care more quickly without needing to see a GP first.
Officials have also pointed to the importance of early action as winter approaches, with the service urging people to come forward for care as usual during ongoing disruption in the system. The autumn vaccination drive is intended to reduce avoidable illness and ease pressure on frontline services later in the season.
What happens next
The flu programme will continue to expand through the autumn, with the NHS aiming to keep uptake high among groups at greater risk of complications. The next phase is expected to build on the early rollout to children and pregnant women, with vaccination access set to remain a central part of winter planning.
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