Winter is always the busiest time for the NHS, with Flu and COVID season usually peaking in December and January, which is why the winter vaccination programme will begin in September. Providing plenty of time to ensure that those most at risk are protected during the colder months when people gather in-doors and viruses spread – helping to prevent those most at risk from developing serious illnesses and ending up in hospital.
The flu vaccine will be available from 1st September 2025 for pregnant women and children aged 2-3 years old, and from early October for people aged over 65. With the school flu vaccination programme beginning when the new school year starts to help stop the virus spreading as children can easily catch and spread the flu.
From the beginning of October, flu vaccinations will be available for over 65s, people with certain long-term health conditions, residents in care homes, carers, people in close contact with immunocompromised adults and frontline workers. While COVID-19 vaccinations will be available for over 75s, residents in a care home for older adults and people aged 6 months to 74 years with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment.
For those adults eligible for both, NHS Greater Manchester will make flu and COVID-19 jabs available at the same time, giving the option to get protection from both viruses in one visit.
Dr Helen Wall, Clinical Director for Population Health at NHS Greater Manchester:
“Every year thousands of people getting really sick and hospitalised from flu and COVID-19 – and this year will be no different. That’s why once again we are urging everyone who is eligible to make sure they get their winter vaccinations to help us to keep more people well and stop people becoming needlessly seriously unwell.
“The vaccine is still very much our best defence against flu and COVID-19, and that those who are eligible need to continue to get it every winter as protection fades over time and the viruses can change from year to year.
“That’s why I urge anyone who is eligible for the winter vaccinations to please come forward as soon as possible to ensure they have the protection they need to fight these viruses and to keep those around them safe.”
Adult flu and COVID-19 appointments will be available through local GP practices and pharmacies.
There will be no change to flu vaccinations for school aged children which will be offered in schools from early next month, to prevent children from getting seriously ill from flu and ending up hospital, and to break the chain of transmission of the virus to the wider population. If school aged children miss the vaccination at school parents can contact IntraHealth for a follow-up appointment on 0333 3583 397.
2-3 year olds and children with an at-risk condition can be vaccinated by their registered general practice.
The nasal flu vaccine is the most effective vaccine for children aged 2-17 years but if this is not suitable the GP or practice nurse may be able to offer a flu vaccine injection as an alternative.
Health and social care workers are also eligible for the flu vaccine and encouraged to come forward as soon as they can to ensure they are protected when at work.
The flu and COVID-19 vaccinations available over winter are part of the wider vaccination programme, so residents of Greater Manchester should check with their GP for all vaccinations they are eligible for to ensure they are fully protected.
Those eligible for a flu vaccine this year include:
From 1st September 2025
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31st August 2025
- primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
From early October 2025
- those aged 65 years and over
- people with certain long-term health conditions
- residents in a care home
- 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.
Those eligible for COVID-19 vaccine from early October this year include:
- residents in a care home for older adults
- those aged 75 years and over
- persons aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
Find out more information on our winter vaccinations page.
