Who Can Have a Free NHS Flu Vaccination in Wales in 2026?

The quick answer

You may qualify for a free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• Are aged 65 or over
• Are pregnant
• Have certain long-term health conditions
• Are a carer
• Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
• Work in certain eligible health or social care roles
• Belong to another group included in the national programme

At Tynewydd Pharmacy:

• Pregnant women can be vaccinated from 1 September 2026
• Most other eligible adults can be vaccinated from 1 October 2026
• Some eligible healthcare workers may also be vaccinated from September, depending on their role and local arrangements

You can book directly with us. You do not need a referral.

Crynodeb Cymraeg

Mae brechiad ffliw am ddim y GIG ar gael i nifer o grwpiau cymwys yng Nghymru yn ystod tymor 2026–27. Mae'r rhain yn cynnwys pobl 65 oed a throsodd, menywod beichiog, gofalwyr, gweithwyr iechyd a gofal cymdeithasol cymwys, a phobl sydd â chyflyrau iechyd penodol.

Yn Fferyllfa Tynewydd, gall menywod beichiog gael eu brechu o 1 Medi 2026. Gall y rhan fwyaf o oedolion cymwys eraill gael eu brechu o 1 Hydref. Efallai y gall rhai gweithwyr gofal iechyd cymwys gael eu brechu o fis Medi hefyd, gan ddibynnu ar eu rôl a'r trefniadau lleol.

Gallwch archebu ar-lein, dros y ffôn neu yn y fferyllfa. Os nad ydych yn siŵr a ydych yn gymwys, mae croeso i chi gysylltu â'n tîm.

Why should I have a flu vaccine every year?

Flu is not simply a heavy cold. While many people recover without medical treatment, flu can cause serious complications, including pneumonia, and may result in admission to hospital.

The risk is greater for some people, including older adults, pregnant women and those living with certain long-term health conditions.

The viruses that cause flu can change, and protection from a previous vaccination reduces over time. This is why eligible people are offered a new vaccination each year.

The vaccine cannot guarantee that you will not catch flu. However, it can reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill and help limit the spread of flu to vulnerable people around you.

When does flu vaccination begin in Wales?

The 2026–27 programme has a staggered start.

At Tynewydd Pharmacy, vaccination begins on:

• 1 September 2026 for pregnant women
• 1 October 2026 for most other eligible adults
• September for some eligible healthcare workers, depending on their role and local arrangements

The aim is to provide protection at the most appropriate time before flu commonly circulates more widely during winter.

You do not have to be vaccinated on the first available day, but booking early can help you secure a convenient appointment.

Who is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

The following groups are included in the 2026–27 NHS flu vaccination programme in Wales.

Adults aged 65 and over

You are eligible if you are already 65 or will turn 65 by 31 March 2027.

Older adults are more likely to experience serious complications from flu, even if they are normally active and in good health.

Pregnant women

Flu vaccination is recommended during every pregnancy and can be given safely at any stage, including during the first trimester.

You do not need to have another medical condition to qualify.

Flu can be more serious during pregnancy. Vaccination also provides some protection to your baby during the first few months after birth.

People with certain long-term health conditions

People aged from six months to 64 years may qualify if they have a condition that increases their risk of becoming seriously unwell from flu.

These conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Chronic heart or vascular disease
• Chronic respiratory disease, including COPD
• Asthma requiring regular inhaled steroids
• Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5
• Chronic liver disease
• Certain neurological conditions
, such as Parkinson's Disease or Motor Neurone Disease
• Epilepsy
• A learning disability
• Severe mental illness
• Adrenal insufficiency, including Addison's disease
• A weakened immune system caused by illness or treatment
• A missing spleen or a spleen that does not work properly
• A body mass index of 40 or above for people aged 16 or over

This is a general guide rather than an exhaustive clinical list. If you have a long-term condition and are unsure whether it makes you eligible, ask our pharmacy team.

Carers

You may qualify if you provide unpaid care for someone whose health or welfare could be at risk if you became unwell.

You do not have to live with or be related to the person you care for. Eligibility can also include young carers, although children will normally receive their vaccination through their school or GP surgery.

Household contacts of someone with a weakened immune system

You may be eligible if you expect to share living accommodation on most days over the winter with someone who has a weakened immune system.

Vaccinating close household contacts can help protect someone who may be especially vulnerable to flu or may not develop a strong response to vaccination themselves.

Care-home and domiciliary-care workers

Care-home staff who regularly work with residents and domiciliary-care workers who provide care in people's homes are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination.

Eligible workers aged 18 or over can arrange their vaccination directly with a participating community pharmacy, including Tynewydd Pharmacy.

Please bring evidence of your role, such as workplace identification or other appropriate confirmation, if requested.

Healthcare workers

Eligible healthcare workers can receive a free NHS flu vaccination. Vaccination is often provided through an employer, although other routes may be available depending on the person's role and local arrangements.

If you are unsure whether Tynewydd Pharmacy can vaccinate you under the NHS programme, please contact us before booking.

Other eligible groups

The programme also covers a number of other groups, including:

• People living in care homes or other long-stay care facilities
• Adults living in Welsh prisons
• People experiencing homelessness
• Community first responders
• Members of voluntary organisations providing planned emergency first aid at organised public events
• Eligible poultry and livestock workers at higher occupational risk

Vaccination arrangements vary for some of these groups. Contact our team if you are unsure whether Tynewydd Pharmacy is the appropriate vaccination provider for you.

Are children eligible for a free flu vaccine?

The programme includes:

• Children aged two or three on 31 August 2026
• Children in school from reception to Year 11
• Children aged six months or older with an eligible long-term health condition

Most children receive their vaccine through their school, GP surgery or local immunisation service. The nasal spray is the recommended vaccine for most eligible children.

Tynewydd Pharmacy's NHS flu service is for eligible adults. Parents should normally follow the arrangements provided by their child's school, school-nursing service or GP surgery.

Do I need to wait for an invitation?

No. Eligible adults can contact Tynewydd Pharmacy directly without waiting for an invitation or referral.

You can choose where to have your NHS flu vaccination. If Tynewydd Pharmacy is more convenient, you can book with us directly.

Can I have the vaccine if I have a cold?

A minor illness such as a cold is not normally a reason to delay your vaccination.

If you are acutely unwell or have a high temperature, you will usually be advised to wait until you feel better.

Tell the pharmacist before vaccination if you have previously had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients.

What should I bring to my appointment?

If possible, bring or know:

• Your NHS number, if known
• The names of your regular medicines
• Details of any allergies
• Evidence of employment or occupational eligibility, where applicable

Do not worry if you do not know your NHS number. The pharmacy team may still be able to locate the necessary information.

What if I am not eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine?

If you are not eligible under the NHS programme but would still like protection, Tynewydd Pharmacy offers a private flu vaccination for £25, subject to clinical suitability and vaccine availability.

Private vaccination may be useful if you want to reduce your personal risk of flu or help protect vulnerable relatives, colleagues or other people around you.

Book your flu vaccination at Tynewydd Pharmacy

Tynewydd Pharmacy provides convenient NHS and private flu vaccinations for patients from Tynewydd, Treherbert, Treorchy and communities across the wider Rhondda Valley.

You can:

• Book online
• Telephone 01443 771782
• Book in person at the pharmacy
• Attend as a walk-in, subject to availability

Booking ahead is the best way to secure a convenient time, although we will accommodate walk-ins whenever capacity allows.

If you are unsure whether you qualify for a free NHS flu vaccination, please contact us. Our team will help you understand the eligibility criteria and the most appropriate vaccination route.

Sources and further information

• Welsh Government: National Influenza Immunisation Programme 2026 to 2027
• Welsh Government: Eligible groups in the 2026 to 2027 flu immunisation programme
• Public Health Wales: Flu vaccine information