Can you have flu and COVID vaccines on the same day?

Yes — eligible adults can have the flu and COVID vaccines at the same appointment, usually with one vaccine given in each arm. NHS guidance confirms that the two vaccines can be given at the same time, and UK vaccination guidance encourages co-administration where it is clinically appropriate and practical.

Having both vaccinations during one appointment can make autumn vaccination simpler. You do not necessarily need to arrange two separate visits simply because you are receiving two different vaccines.

For the 2026 autumn/winter programme, COVID vaccination is scheduled from 1 October 2026, while most adult NHS flu vaccinations also begin from 1 October. Some eligible groups, including pregnant women, can receive their flu vaccination earlier.

The important point is that being eligible for a flu vaccination does not automatically mean you are eligible for the NHS COVID vaccination. The eligibility criteria are different.

If you are considering your seasonal vaccination timing, our guide to the best time to get a flu vaccination in the UK provides additional information about when to arrange your flu vaccination.

Who is eligible for both this autumn?

The NHS flu and COVID vaccination programmes cover different groups. Some people qualify for both, while others may qualify for only one.

Age groups

For the 2026/27 autumn COVID vaccination programme in England, the eligible groups include:

• Adults aged 75 or over, including people who will turn 75 by 31 January 2027
• People aged 6 months to 74 years with a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
• Residents of care homes for older adults

The NHS flu programme is broader. Eligible adults include:

• People aged 65 or over
• Adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
• Pregnant women
• People living in care homes
• Certain carers
• People with a learning disability
• People with a BMI of 40 or above
• Eligible frontline health and social care workers through the appropriate vaccination route

This means that an adult aged 65 to 74, for example, may qualify for an NHS flu vaccination but not necessarily for the autumn COVID vaccination unless they fall into another eligible group.

Clinically vulnerable people

People with conditions or treatments that significantly weaken their immune system may be eligible for the autumn COVID vaccination even if they are under 75.

The NHS lists examples including certain blood cancers, organ or stem-cell transplantation, HIV, some genetic immune conditions and certain treatments that suppress the immune system. The full eligibility assessment is more detailed than this summary, so anyone unsure about their eligibility should speak with their GP, specialist or pharmacy team.

If you qualify for both vaccinations, receiving them during the same appointment can be a convenient way to prepare for the winter season.

Are side effects worse when flu and COVID vaccines are given together?

You may experience common short-term vaccination reactions whether the vaccines are given together or separately.

These can include:

• A sore or tender arm
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Feeling mildly unwell for a short time

Evidence reviewed by UK health authorities indicates that people receiving both vaccines together may be slightly more likely to report at least one side effect, but these reactions are generally mild and short-lived. There is no evidence that co-administration creates a greater risk of serious side effects.

UK guidance also recommends administering injections at separate sites, preferably in different limbs.

If you are worried about a previous reaction or have a particular medical concern, discuss it with the healthcare professional before vaccination.

Booking both at one appointment

If you are eligible for both vaccinations, having them at one appointment can reduce the need to organise separate visits.

At Burnham Health Pharmacy on High Street, local residents can access pharmacy vaccination services and professional guidance. The pharmacy’s website currently promotes flu vaccination services and provides its Burnham contact details.

For the autumn 2026 season, it is sensible to check which vaccinations you are eligible for and whether both are available at the same appointment when arranging your visit.

A booked appointment can make planning easier, particularly if you have work, family or travel commitments. If you are considering a walk-in visit, check with the pharmacy beforehand regarding current availability and whether the vaccination you require is being offered that way.

You can also read our article on the benefits of flu vaccination services for yearly health protection to understand why seasonal vaccination remains an important part of winter health planning.

Why timing matters before winter

Getting vaccinated before winter gives your immune system time to develop protection before respiratory infections become more widespread.

For the 2026/27 programme, NHS England expects the majority of vaccinations to be completed by the end of November, although the flu programme continues until 31 March 2027.

For most adults eligible for NHS flu vaccination, appointments begin from 1 October 2026. Some groups, including eligible pregnant women and children, can start earlier from September.

The COVID autumn programme begins from 1 October 2026 for eligible people.

This makes the start of the autumn vaccine season in the UK an important time to check your eligibility rather than waiting until winter is already underway.

If you are travelling internationally during the colder months, our COVID-19 booster guide for international travellers can provide additional travel-health context. However, always check the current NHS eligibility rules because travel needs do not automatically make someone eligible for the NHS autumn COVID programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does having both vaccines increase side effects?

You may be slightly more likely to notice a short-term reaction when both vaccines are given at the same appointment. These reactions are generally mild and temporary, such as tiredness, headache, muscle aches or soreness at the injection site.

Who gets the COVID booster this year?

For autumn 2026 in England, the programme includes adults aged 75 and over, residents of care homes for older adults, and people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed.

Can I get the flu jab if I already had COVID this year?

Having previously had COVID does not by itself prevent you from receiving a flu vaccination. Flu and COVID are different infections, and eligibility for the flu vaccination is based on the NHS flu programme criteria. If you are unsure whether you should be vaccinated, speak with a healthcare professional.

Do I have to wait between the flu and COVID vaccines?

No. UK guidance allows the flu and COVID vaccines to be given at the same appointment when clinically appropriate. If they are not given together, they can generally be administered at another time without needing a specific interval.

Can I have both vaccines in one appointment?

Yes, if you are eligible for both and the service is available. The vaccinations are normally administered at separate injection sites.

Book your autumn vaccination appointment.

If you are eligible for both seasonal vaccinations, having your flu and COVID vaccines together can be a convenient way to prepare for winter without arranging two separate visits.

Burnham Health Pharmacy provides local vaccination support from its High Street location in Burnham. Before visiting, check your eligibility and contact the pharmacy to confirm current appointment and vaccination availability.

Ready to prepare for winter? Book your combined flu and COVID vaccination appointment with Burnham Health Pharmacy and get your autumn vaccination plans organised early.