Flu jab, RSV, and COVID vaccines: who needs what this autumn

Why autumn vaccination matters more than people realise

Every autumn, the NHS rolls out its vaccination programme with good reason. Respiratory viruses circulate most intensively between October and March, and for vulnerable people — those who are older, immunocompromised, or living with long-term health conditions — the consequences of catching flu, RSV, or COVID-19 can be serious. Hospitalisation rates for these groups spike predictably each winter, and the evidence for vaccination in reducing severe illness is robust.

What has changed in recent years is the sheer number of vaccines on offer. Many people who remember simply booking their flu jab are now wondering whether they also need RSV and COVID boosters — and if so, in what order. The short answer is that all three may be relevant to you, depending on your age and health status.

The flu vaccine: still the cornerstone

Influenza remains one of the most significant causes of preventable winter illness and death in the UK. The flu vaccine is updated each year to match the strains predicted to circulate in that season, which is why last year's jab offers limited protection now.

For autumn 2026, the NHS recommends flu vaccination for:

• Everyone aged 65 and over
• Pregnant women (at any stage of pregnancy)
• People aged 6 months to 64 who have a long-term health condition, including asthma, COPD, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, neurological conditions, diabetes, or conditions affecting immunity
• Those who are severely obese (BMI over 40)
• Carers and household contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Children aged 2 to 17 (nasal spray vaccine offered through GP and school programmes)
• Healthcare and social care workers (typically offered through their employer)

If you are not in one of these groups, you can still choose to have a private flu vaccination. Many people who are not eligible on the NHS opt for this simply because it reduces time off work and the misery of a bad flu season.

The RSV vaccine: the newest addition

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus that most healthy adults shrug off as a cold. For older adults and young infants, however, it can cause serious lower respiratory tract infections including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. RSV is one of the leading causes of winter hospital admissions in those aged 75 and over.

The UK introduced RSV vaccination in 2024, and the programme has expanded in 2026. The vaccine is currently recommended for:

• Adults aged 75 to 79 (one dose, currently offered as a catch-up to those who have not yet had it)
• Adults turning 75 on or after 1 September 2026 (offered routinely at age 75)
• Pregnant women from 28 weeks onwards (to protect newborns in their first months of life, when they are most vulnerable)

The RSV vaccine is not yet recommended for the general adult population below 75. However, if you are immunocompromised or have a significant respiratory condition and fall outside this age range, it is worth discussing your individual situation with a GP.

The COVID-19 booster: who still needs one?

COVID-19 boosters continue to be offered to the most vulnerable groups each autumn, as immunity from previous vaccination or infection wanes over time. For autumn 2026, the booster programme covers:

• Adults aged 65 and over
• Residents of care homes for older adults
• Adults aged 18 to 64 who are in a clinical risk group (the same groups as flu — long-term conditions, immunosuppression, pregnancy)
• Frontline health and social care workers
• Household contacts of immunocompromised individuals

If you received a COVID booster last autumn and are not in any of the risk groups above, you are unlikely to be eligible through the NHS this cycle. Healthy adults under 65 who would like a private COVID booster for peace of mind can access one, but the clinical evidence for benefit in this group is more limited.

Can you have all three vaccines at the same time?

Yes — flu, RSV, and COVID vaccines can safely be given at the same visit, typically one in each arm. There is no clinical reason to space them out, and having them together is both convenient and effective. The side-effect profile (a sore arm, mild fatigue for a day or two) is similar to having any single vaccine.

What if you are not eligible on the NHS?

Eligibility criteria inevitably leave some people in grey areas — perhaps you missed last year's window, you have recently been diagnosed with a new condition, or you simply want to protect yourself and your family without waiting for an NHS appointment. AtWell offers private flu vaccinations through our vaccination service, which means you can book quickly and be seen without delay. If you have questions about which vaccines are right for your circumstances, our same-day GP service can review your health history and advise you properly.

A note on timing

The optimal window for autumn vaccinations is September to November, ahead of the main surge in respiratory illness that typically peaks in December and January. Waiting until you feel unwell is too late — the vaccines take around two weeks to reach peak effectiveness. If you are eligible, the best time to book is now.

"I'd been putting off my flu jab for years, thinking I was young enough not to need it. Then I caught flu properly at 58 and was floored for two weeks. I've never missed an autumn jab since."

Related reading

• Health Screening: Which Tests Do I Need? — a guide to the routine checks that are worth doing at every stage of life.
• When Should You See a Private GP? — understanding when private healthcare adds genuine value.