National Booking System opens for flu vaccination bookings
The NHS National Booking System (NBS) is now open for eligible people to book their flu vaccination appointments, marking the start of preparations for the 2026/27 autumn and winter vaccination programme.
NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), which commission vaccination services locally, are encouraging health, care, voluntary, community and local authority partners to help raise awareness of the booking system and support eligible people to access vaccination.
Partners play an important role in promoting vaccination, reducing the spread of illness in our communities and helping the NHS prepare for winter pressures.
While many eligible people will continue to be invited for vaccination by their GP practice, the National Booking System provides an additional route to book a flu vaccination at a participating community pharmacy, which may be more convenient for some people, although availability varies by locality. Walk-in opportunities will also be available in many areas.
This year, partners may wish to pay particular attention to communications aimed at families, as eligible children can now book flu vaccination appointments through participating pharmacies using the National Booking System.
Who can book a flu vaccination through the National Booking System?
Eligible groups can now pre-book their appointments through NBS.
New for 2026/27, children aged two and three and children aged 2 years to under 18 years in a clinical risk group, can book flu vaccination appointments through participating community pharmacies using the National Booking System. This provides an additional option for families and complements the GP-led offers.
Pregnant women can book appointments taking place from 1 September 2026.
The following groups can pre-book appointments taking place from 1 October 2026:
- Children aged two or three years on 31 August 2026
- Children aged six months to 17 years in a clinical risk group
- People aged 65 years and over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027)
- People aged 18 to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- Main carers of an older or disabled person, or those receiving Carer’s Allowance
- Close contacts of people with a weakened immune system
Alternative ways to book
People can also book their flu vaccination through the NHS App.
Those who are unable to book online can call 119 free of charge to make an appointment. Interpreter services are available on request.
People who are deaf, have hearing loss or experience difficulties communicating can use Text Relay by dialling 18001 followed by 119, or access the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
Why vaccination matters
Seasonal flu can spread quickly during the colder months, placing additional pressure on health and care services.
Vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to help protect those at greater risk of serious illness, including pregnant women, older adults and people with underlying health conditions. Children are often among the first to catch and spread flu within households and communities, which is why encouraging uptake across all eligible groups is important.
Because protection from vaccination reduces over time, eligible people are encouraged to receive their flu vaccine every year to maintain the best possible protection throughout the winter season.
Who is eligible for a flu vaccination this autumn and winter?
The following groups are eligible for a flu vaccination in 2026/27. Please note that only some of these cohorts can book through the National Booking System.
- Pregnant women
- Children aged two or three years on 31 August 2026
- Primary and secondary school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) School aged children will be offered a flu vaccination whilst they are at school through the School-Aged Immunisation Service (SAIS). Home-schooled children will be contacted directly by SAIS
- Children aged six months to 17 years in a clinical risk group
- People aged 65 years and over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027)
- People aged 18 to 64 years in a clinical risk group
- Residents of long-stay residential care homes
- Main carers of an older or disabled person, or those receiving Carer’s Allowance
- Close contacts of people with a weakened immune system
- People experiencing homelessness, or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters
- Frontline health and social care workers (via their employer)
In particular the ICBs are keen to ensure uptake among pregnant women, 2-3 year olds, school-aged children and health and care workers.
Further information and resources will be shared as the vaccination programme progresses.
Useful information
- Visit the local online vaccination hub for the latest patient information and resources.
- Find out more about the NHS National Booking System: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/