FLU Vaccinations Harrow

When is the flu Vaccination available for 2026

Availability for Flu Vaccination starts from 1st September 2026 – Eligibility:

• pregnant women
• all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
• primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
• all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years

Availability for Flu Vaccination from 1st October 2026 – Eligibility:

• 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 including 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, such as Personal Assistants

What month is best to have a flu jab?

For the best protection, it’s recommended to get your flu jab in the early autumn, ideally as soon as possible in the season. This timing allows your body to build up immunity before the flu virus becomes more widespread in the community.

Should you get flu jab every year?

Yes, getting a flu jab (flu vaccination) every year is generally recommended by healthcare professionals, especially for those who are at higher risk of complications from the flu. The reason for this is that the influenza virus evolves and changes over time. New strains of the virus can circulate each flu season, which is why the vaccine is updated annually to provide protection against the most prevalent strains.

What are the side effects of the flu jab?

Flu vaccines are very safe. All adult flu vaccines tend to be given by injection into the muscle of the upper arm.

Most side effects are mild and only last for a day or so, such as:

• a slightly raised temperature
• muscle aches
• sore arm where the needle went in

Try these tips to help reduce the discomfort:

• continue to move your arm regularly
• take a painkiller, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen – some people, including those who are pregnant, should not take ibuprofen unless a doctor recommends it

How long is the flu vaccine good for?

The protection provided by the flu vaccine can vary from person to person and from one flu season to the next. Generally, the flu vaccine’s effectiveness can last for several months, but it might begin to wane over time.

The flu vaccine is designed to provide protection against specific strains of the influenza virus that are expected to circulate during the flu season. However, the flu virus can mutate and change over time, which is why the vaccine needs to be updated annually to target the most prevalent strains.

For most individuals, the flu vaccine’s protection is thought to last for about 6 to 12 months. This is why it’s recommended to get a flu jab every year, ideally before the start of the flu season. The goal is to ensure that you have the most up-to-date protection against the latest strains of the virus.

Flu vaccinations are available at Rushton Pharmacy Harrow

We are accepting bookings now. The pharmacy covers these areas: