Flu vaccine protection peaks two weeks after the jab and lasts about six months. Here is when to book so you're covered through the whole UK flu season.
The UK flu season typically runs from October to March, with peak circulation between December and February. Book too early and your protection may wane before the peak; leave it too late and you're exposed for weeks.
The sweet spot: mid-September to late October
For most healthy adults, mid-September to late October is the ideal window. Protection kicks in after two weeks and stays strong through the winter peak.
If you are pregnant, immunocompromised or aged 65+, book as early as September to avoid any exposure gap while the virus starts circulating.
Who should not delay
- Anyone aged 65 or over
- Pregnant women (any trimester)
- Adults with long-term conditions such as asthma, COPD, diabetes or heart disease
- Carers of vulnerable people
- Frontline health and social care workers
Easons offers both NHS-funded flu jabs for eligible patients and private flu jabs for anyone who wants one. Appointments take about ten minutes and slots run seven days a week from September.