People experiencing homelessness aged 16 and over are eligible for a free flu vaccine for the first time this winter.
Eligible residents across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being urged to get their free NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with both programmes opening from today (1 October 2026).
The free flu vaccine is available to people aged 65 and over, people aged 18 to 64 with certain health conditions, care home residents, eligible carers, close contacts of people with weakened immune systems and eligible frontline health and social care workers.
Pregnant women can have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy, and children aged two to three, along with those in Reception to Year 11, are also eligible.
For the first time, people experiencing homelessness aged 16 and over can also get a free vaccine. This includes people sleeping rough or staying in homeless hostels or night shelters, and the NHS says it is working with local partners to help them access vaccination this winter.
Matthew Missen, Public Health Consultant for NHS Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin and NHS Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent, said: “In winter we see flu and COVID-19 spreading more people which can cause serious illness, particularly for older people and those living with certain health conditions. I will be getting vaccinated this winter and would encourage everyone that is eligible to get their flu vaccine when invited.
“We have already started to see people coming into hospital, with flu and COVID-19, a reminder that these viruses are circulating and can cause serious illness. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself this winter, helping to reduce the risk of serious illness and hospitalisation, while also protecting those around you.
“This year, we are particularly pleased to see the flu vaccination extended to people experiencing homelessness. This is an important step in making sure people who may face further hardship over the cold winter months have better access to flu vaccination and healthcare that can provide vital protection during the cold winter months.
“To improve access for eligible people there are also local walk-in vaccination clinics available, making it easier for you to get your flu vaccine protection this winter. I’d encourage people to check their eligibility, book an appointment when invited, or visit a walk-in clinic near you. Where appropriate, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be safely given at the same appointment making it easier to get fully protected for winter.”
How to get the flu vaccine
Most eligible people can get their flu vaccine through their GP surgery. Children aged two to three, at-risk children aged two to 17 and anyone eligible aged 18 or over can also go to a participating pharmacy. Appointments can be booked online or through the NHS App.
School-aged children will be invited to school clinics between September and December, and those who miss out can use catch-up arrangements through the School Age Immunisation Service.
Frontline health and social care workers should normally be vaccinated through their employer. Those who cannot can get a free NHS flu vaccine through their GP surgery, a participating pharmacy, online via the National Booking Service or on the NHS App.
COVID-19 vaccination
The NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme also starts from 1 October. The vaccine is available to adults aged 75 and over, people living in care homes for older adults, and people aged six months to 74 who are immunosuppressed.
Most eligible people can get their COVID-19 vaccine through their GP surgery, a participating pharmacy or a walk-in clinic, and appointments can also be booked online or through the NHS App. The flu vaccine can often be given at the same appointment.
Eligible residents are encouraged to come forward as soon as they are invited so they are protected ahead of the winter months.
More information is available at nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/ and nhs.uk/vaccinations/COVID-19-vaccine/
