It’s Vaccination Season: Why It Matters for Carers

I’ll start with a confession: I know vaccinations are not for everyone. Some people are sceptical, and that’s their choice. But speaking personally, I am very much in the vaccination camp.

As someone living with diabetes, and as someone who spent many years caring for parents with underlying health conditions, I always saw vaccinations as one of the simplest ways to reduce risk. It wasn’t just about protecting myself from flu or Covid. More importantly, it was about reducing the chance of passing something on to the people I cared about.

That lesson has stayed with me.

Recently I’ve been checking in with my nephew, who is recovering from treatment for leukaemia. Following chemotherapy, his immune system is incredibly fragile, and suddenly vaccination season feels very important again.

It also brings back memories from my teenage years when my little sister was undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy for her own leukaemia. I remember how often she became ill, sometimes catching childhood infections such as chickenpox that would leave her vulnerable and force her body to work hard all over again. Watching someone you love go through that teaches you a lot about prevention and protection.

As carers, many of us look after people who are older, frail, immunosuppressed, or living with long-term health conditions. We cannot wrap our loved ones in cotton wool, but we can take practical steps to keep them safer.

If, like me, you believe prevention is often better than cure, then now is the time to think about your vaccinations.

Flu Vaccination Programme 2026

The seasonal flu vaccination programme begins on 1 October 2026.

You may be eligible if you are:

• A carer
• A frontline social care worker
• A resident in a care home
• Aged 65 or over
• Pregnant
• Living with certain health conditions that place you in a clinical risk group

This year there is also expanded access for some additional groups, including rough sleepers and homeless hostel residents aged 16 and over.

Covid Vaccination Programme 2026

Covid vaccination appointments also begin on 1 October 2026 and run until 31 January 2027.

You may be eligible if you are:

• Aged 75 years or over
• Living in a care home for older adults
• Aged six months or over and immunosuppressed

Where possible, Covid and flu vaccinations may be offered at the same appointment.

How to Book

Booking is straightforward:

• Use the NHS App
• Book online through the NHS website
• Call 119 free of charge, including for language support
• Visit a walk-in vaccination site
• Contact your GP surgery or local pharmacy

And here’s some good news: you do not need to wait for an invitation before booking.

A Little Call to Arms

As carers, we are often brilliant at reminding everyone else to look after themselves while forgetting our own health.

This year, let’s try something different.

Book the appointment.

Have the conversation with the person you care for.

Check on a friend, neighbour, parent or fellow carer who might be eligible.

Put your own wellbeing slightly higher up the to-do list.

Because looking after yourself isn’t selfish. Sometimes it’s one of the most caring things you can do.

So as vaccination season arrives, consider making that appointment. It could help protect you, the person you care for, and the wider community around you.

And if you’re anything like me, that’s reason enough.

For more information about flu and Covid vaccinations, speak to your GP surgery, pharmacist or visit the NHS website.