The NHS kicks off the autumn
Eligible people in Cambridgeshire, Peterborough and Royston will be able to book their COVID-19 and flu vaccinations from Monday 1 September, with appointments for COVID-19 and adult flu vaccines starting on 1 October 2025.
The vaccines reduce the risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 and flu and are offered to certain groups of who are more at risk than others of getting severely ill.
Those eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination this autumn are:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in a care home for older adults
People aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment such as blood cancer, organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant recipients, people who have or recently had chemotherapy, biological therapy or radiotherapy.
The NHS will contact people who are eligible for the COVID-19 winter booster in the coming days and weeks to encouraging them to book their appointment. For a full list please see https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/covid-19-vaccine/
Those eligible for the free flu vaccine this autumn are:
- people who are aged 65 or over
- have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance or live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- all children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
As with previous years, appointments will be available at select community pharmacies and GP surgeries across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Booking vaccinations is quick and easy. People who are eligible can simply visit www.nhs.uk/book-vaccine to book online, or call 119 to book an appointment over the phone.
Cali Makewell, Integrated Vaccination Service Lead at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough ICB, said: “Winter vaccinations are really important ahead of winter so you know you’re protected against these two viruses over the colder months. These vaccines will help to top-up the immunity of our friends, family and community members who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill this winter.
“For COVID-19 vaccinations in winter 2025/26 the eligibility criteria has changed, which means for some people especially those aged 65-74 and some groups of people with long term health conditions, may no longer be eligible. We urge people to check they are eligible before booking or contacting their healthcare provider for a vaccination.”
Details of any walk-in clinics will be confirmed in due course. For further details about the vaccination programme, please visit https://www.cpics.org.uk/the-vaccinators