Flu isn't a bad cold — it's a virus that hospitalises thousands of people every winter, and the jab remains the single best defence. The 2026–27 NHS flu programme across the Sandwell Pharmacy Group opens for appointments on 1 October, bookable online in under a minute.
Here's who qualifies for a free NHS flu jab this season, and what to do if you don't.
Everyone aged 65 and over. Pregnant women at any stage. Adults 18–64 with long-term conditions — asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart, liver or kidney disease and others. Care home residents. Carers, and household contacts of people with weakened immune systems. Frontline health and social care workers. Children have their own programme. Not sure which group you fall into? Our online eligibility checker sorts it in four questions.
Anyone 18+ can book a private flu jab across the Sandwell Pharmacy Group for £30, paid in store on the day. Same vaccine, same appointment slots — protection shouldn't depend on ticking an NHS box, especially if you work with the public, travel, or simply can't afford a week in bed.
Protection takes about two weeks to build and lasts the season, so October is ideal — well ahead of the December–February peak. Booking takes under a minute on our flu and Covid page: pick your vaccine, pick a 15-minute slot (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm), enter your details, done. Eligible for the Covid jab too? Have both together in one visit.
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