Bolton residents may qualify for a free flu jab this winter

Health & Wellness Desk 2026-10-19 10:46 2 min read

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Bolton health professionals are urging people who qualify for a free flu vaccination to book as soon as possible as flu cases start to rise in the colder months. The autumn and winter vaccination programme runs into early 2027, and eligible residents can arrange a jab through the NHS Flu Vaccination Service, a GP, a pharmacy or a community health service.

Who can get a free flu vaccination in Bolton?

The free jab is available to people at increased risk of serious illness, including:

People aged 65 or over, or who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027
Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy
Children aged two to three, and school-aged children from Reception to Year 11
People with long-term health conditions, including diabetes, heart trouble or COPD
Unpaid carers and people receiving Carer’s Allowance
Care home residents and staff, and frontline health and social care workers
People experiencing homelessness
Close contacts of people who are immunosuppressed

If you are unsure whether you qualify, check with a GP, pharmacy or local community health service.

Why get vaccinated each year?

Flu spreads through coughs, sneezes and contact with other people. Bolton Council says the vaccine helps protect against serious illness and can reduce the spread of flu. The virus changes over time, while immunity fades, so having a jab last year—or thinking you have recently had flu—does not remove the need to consider this season’s vaccination.

Bolton residents may qualify for a free flu jab this winter

Flu can lead to complications such as pneumonia and bronchitis. Bolton Director of Public Health Lynn Donkin said vaccination is available through autumn and winter, with bookings and vaccinations continuing into early 2027.

Where to arrange a jab

Free vaccinations are available through the NHS Flu Vaccination Service, GPs, pharmacies and community health services. The council says people who are not eligible for a free jab can still get one for a small fee; check the cost with the provider.

Source: Bolton Council News

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Eligibility, timing and access details are drawn from the Bolton Council News notice supplied for this article.

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Checked the listed eligible groups against the supplied notice.
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Checked the listed vaccination access routes and the note about paid vaccination for those...

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