Vaccination remains an important way of reducing the risk of serious COVID-19 disease among people who are particularly vulnerable.
At My Pharmacy Clinics, we provide COVID-19 vaccination services, subject to eligibility, vaccine availability and clinical suitability.
Why Is COVID-19 Vaccination Still Important?
For many healthy people, COVID-19 may cause a relatively mild illness. However, the risk of serious complications increases in certain groups, particularly older people and those with weakened immune systems.
COVID-19 vaccination is primarily intended to reduce the risk of serious illness, hospitalisation and complications from the infection.
Who Is Eligible for an NHS COVID-19 Vaccination in Autumn 2026?
For the autumn 2026 programme in England, COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to:
- Adults aged 75 years and over
- Residents of care homes for older adults
- People aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
The programme is targeted towards people considered at greater risk of serious outcomes from COVID-19.
If you are uncertain whether a medical condition or treatment makes you eligible, speak to a healthcare professional.
When Does the Autumn COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Begin?
The autumn/winter COVID-19 vaccination programme begins in October 2026.
Eligible patients do not necessarily need to wait to receive an invitation before arranging their vaccination.
Can I Have COVID-19 and Flu Vaccinations Together?
Yes. In many circumstances, the COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be administered during the same appointment.
This can be particularly convenient for eligible patients who need protection against both illnesses ahead of winter.
Our healthcare professional will check your suitability before administering either vaccine.
What Happens at the Appointment?
Before vaccination, we will check relevant information including your medical history, current medicines, allergies and previous vaccination history.
The COVID-19 vaccine is given as an injection.
You may experience mild, temporary side effects afterwards, such as:
- Pain or tenderness around the injection site
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Flu-like symptoms
These usually settle within a few days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can get a COVID-19 vaccination in autumn 2026?
For the autumn 2026 programme in England, COVID-19 vaccination is being offered to adults aged 75 years and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.
When does the autumn 2026 COVID-19 vaccination programme start?
The autumn/winter COVID-19 vaccination programme begins in October 2026. Eligible patients do not necessarily need to wait to receive an invitation before arranging their vaccination.
Can I have my COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time?
Yes. In many circumstances, COVID-19 and flu vaccines can be given during the same appointment. A healthcare professional will check your suitability before administering either vaccine.
What are the common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?
You may experience mild, temporary side effects after vaccination, including pain or tenderness around the injection site, tiredness, headache, muscle aches or flu-like symptoms. These usually settle within a few days.
What should I do if I am unsure whether I am eligible for a COVID-19 vaccination?
If you are uncertain whether a medical condition or treatment makes you eligible, speak to a healthcare professional. Your individual circumstances can be reviewed to determine whether you meet the relevant eligibility criteria.
How should I book my NHS covid vaccine appointment?
Book, cancel or change COVID-19 vaccination appointment using the NHS Online COVID-19 bookings service or call 119.
Our healthcare team can check your eligibility and suitability and answer questions you may have before vaccination.
Vaccination is subject to eligibility, vaccine availability and clinical suitability. NHS eligibility criteria may change in future vaccination programmes.
