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Protect Yourself This Winter
NHS flu and covid-19 vaccines
Flu and COVID-19 can leave some people seriously unwell. Getting vaccinated is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk of becoming very ill.
If you're eligible, both vaccines are available free of charge through the NHS. We'd encourage everyone who qualifies to take up the offer this autumn and winter.
Please note
COVID-19 vaccinations are not being held at our practice this year. If you're eligible, you can get your COVID-19 vaccine at a participating community pharmacy instead (see booking details below).
Our vaccination clinic dates
We're running dedicated flu vaccination clinics on the following Saturdays, from 9am to 1pm at sites across The Lewisham Care Partnership:
- Saturday 3 October 2026: St John's Medical Centre and Belmont Hill Surgery
- Saturday 10 October 2026: St John's Medical Centre and Morden Hill Surgery
- Saturday 17 October 2026: Hillyfields Medical Centre and Honor Oak Health Centre
- Saturday 24 October 2026: Hillyfields Medical Centre and Honor Oak Health Centre
How to attend our Saturday clinics
You can either prebook your slot or drop in. Prebooking is quick, easy and helps us plan the day. A booking link will be sent to eligible patients by text message and/or email closer to the time — please keep an eye out for it.
We'll also be offering flu vaccinations during the week from the beginning of October. These need to be booked in advance like any other appointment — there are no drop-ins for weekday slots. Our Saturday clinics are the easiest way to get vaccinated quickly, but if a weekday suits you better, look out for the link that will be sent shortly. If you're unable to use it, contact your surgery to book.
Who's eligible?
From 1 September 2026, the NHS flu vaccine is offered to:
- pregnant women
- children who are 2 or 3 years old on 31 August 2026
- school-aged children from Reception through to Year 11
- children aged 6 months to under 18 with certain health conditions
From 1 October 2026, it's also available to:
- anyone aged 65 and over
- adults aged 18 to 64 with certain health conditions
- residents of long-stay care homes
- carers receiving Carer's Allowance, or those who are the main carer for an older or disabled person
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- eligible frontline health and social care staff
- eligible people experiencing homelessness
Not sure if you qualify? Please check with our practice team, your pharmacist or another healthcare professional.
Find out more about the flu vaccine
Flu vaccinations for school-aged children
Children from Reception to Year 11 are usually vaccinated at school. Parents and carers will receive details and a consent form from their child's school or the School Age Immunisation Service. Any child who misses the session at school should be offered a catch-up appointment at a community clinic.
From 1 December 2026, participating community pharmacies will also be able to vaccinate school-aged children who missed their school session. Children who are home educated or don't attend a mainstream school should be offered their vaccination at a community clinic, and those with certain long-term conditions may be able to have it through their GP surgery.
Find out more about the children's flu vaccine
COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine helps protect those at greater risk of serious illness. For autumn and winter 2026, you may be offered a free NHS COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over
- live in a care home for older adults
- are aged 6 months or over and have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment
Please note that we are not offering COVID-19 vaccinations at the practice this year. If you're eligible, you can book your vaccine at a participating community pharmacy (see below).
The NHS list of qualifying conditions and treatments is a guide only. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, please speak to our practice team, your pharmacist or your specialist healthcare team.
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine
When can I get vaccinated?
- Most eligible people can have their flu jab from 1 October 2026
- Pregnant women and eligible children can have theirs from 1 September 2026
- COVID-19 appointments begin from 1 October 2026
You can book now for any date once vaccinations are available.
How to book
If you're eligible, you can book online or through the NHS app.
Depending on which vaccine you need, you may also be able to get it through a participating community pharmacy, a walk-in service, your care home, your maternity service, or your employer (if you're an eligible health or social care worker). Remember that COVID-19 vaccinations are not available at our practice — please use a community pharmacy for these.
If you can't book online, call 119 free of charge to book by phone. Interpreters are available on request, and if you have difficulty hearing or communicating you can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language interpreter service. You don't need to wait for an invitation to book your COVID-19 vaccine if you know you're eligible.
Can I have both vaccines together?
If you're eligible for both, you may be able to have them at the same appointment where the service allows. As we're not offering COVID-19 vaccines at the practice, please check with your community pharmacy about having both together.
Why get vaccinated?
Vaccination can lower your risk of serious illness and complications, reduce the chance of needing hospital treatment, and help keep you well through the winter. Because protection fades over time and viruses change, you may be offered another vaccination this winter even if you've had one before.
Need help?
If you're unsure about your eligibility, please contact the practice or speak to a pharmacist or healthcare professional. The latest information is also on the NHS website.
Published: Sep 9, 2026
