Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for the 2026 to 2027 seasonal vaccination campaign
Who can get the flu vaccination? All WSFT staff (full-time, part-time, bank), patient-facing students and volunteers are eligible to receive the free seasonal flu vaccination.
When can I get my seasonal flu vaccination? This will be available from Thursday, 1 October 2026.
Where can I get the vaccines? The vaccination team has its own base at Birch House at the West Suffolk Hospital, opposite the Occupational Therapy department. The timetable for clinics will be regularly updated on this page: Vaccination - West Suffolk NHS Intranet
We will be touring the hospital throughout the campaign to provide vaccinations for staff and patients, and also visiting our community teams. If you would like the team to visit your base please email staff.vaccinations@wsh.nhs.uk to arrange.
Do I need to make an appointment? Appointments are not needed, just drop in. If you prefer you can book via the national booking system Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS.
What do I need to bring with me? Please have your WSFT identity badge and NHS number with you.
What if I am not based in or near the West Suffolk Hospital?
You can book a vaccination here: Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy - NHS
This lists all the sites where vaccinations are available, you can choose the one that is most convenient.
What vaccine will I receive?
This year there is one vaccine available for all adults.
What if I have questions? Anyone with questions is invited to contact us to discuss and we are happy to arrange 1-1 appointments for those with anxiety or needlephobia. If you have questions or are unsure about suitability please come and talk to a vaccinator with no commitment to get vaccinated.
Can my children be vaccinated?
Yes, the team offers vaccination to children at our Saturday clinics – see the schedule here.
How can I contact the team? Contact the team on: Staff.Vaccinations@wsh.nhs.uk.
Am I eligible for a Covid-19 booster? The autumn 2026 vaccination programme will target people who are at the highest risk of serious illness to protect the most vulnerable. NHS staff are no longer automatically eligible for a Covid-19 booster, eligibility criteria are listed below. Further information is in the Green Book.
The following people are eligible for an autumn Covid booster:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- individuals who are immunosuppressed aged 6 months and over.
Immunosuppressed criteria – if you meet any of these, you should receive the booster through your GP practice:
- organ, bone marrow or stem cell transplant patients
- those being treated with systemic steroids for more than a month
- those living with HIV
- those receiving immunosuppressive or immunomodulating biological therapy, including children who are about to receive therapy
- those undergoing chemotherapy or radiotherapy
- those requiring long-term treatment for immunosuppression
- those with a history of haematological malignancy including chronic leukaemia, lymphomas, and leukaemia
- those with genetic disorders affecting the immune system.
Provision for the public
Can members of the public access the vaccination at WSH? Our team is part of the system-wide provision. People who can access free flu vaccinations this year include:
- those aged 65 or over
- people with certain long-term health conditions
- pregnant women
- people who live in a care home
- people who are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
- people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
What about RSV: The team will provide the RSV vaccine to anyone aged 75 to 79.
Health professionals can really help encourage eligible patients to have the vaccinations for which they are eligible. If you have any patients who are eligible for any of these please do help them access them. If mobile they can go to the Birch House clinic, attend a community clinic, or contact their GP. In some cases the team may be able to deliver the vaccines while the patient is in the hospital – please email them.