Guide to NHS Flu & COVID-19 Vaccines 2026/27

As autumn approaches, it's time to prepare for flu season. Stratton Medical Centre is encouraging eligible patients to get protected with their NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccinations this winter.

Why Get Vaccinated?

Flu can cause serious illness, particularly in older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with long-term health conditions. Vaccination remains the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation.

COVID-19 also continues to circulate during the winter months, making vaccination important for those at higher risk.

When Should You Get Vaccinated?

As soon as you're eligible.

Getting vaccinated in September or October helps build protection before flu season typically peaks in December and January. The NHS recommends receiving your vaccine by late November where possible.

Can I Have Both Vaccines Together?

Yes. If you're eligible for both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, they can usually be given during the same appointment.

What About Children?

Most school age children will receive their flu vaccine as a nasal spray through their school vaccination programme.

Children aged 6 months to under 2 years who are in a clinical risk group may be offered an injectable flu vaccine through NHS services.

Protect Yourself This Winter

Getting vaccinated is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community. If you're unsure whether you're eligible, contact Stratton Medical Centre for advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I get my flu and Covid-19 vaccines?

The NHS flu and Covid-19 vaccination programme for 2026/27 begins in autumn 2026. Eligible people can arrange their vaccination through their GP practice

Who is eligible?

NHS flu and Covid-19 vaccinations are offered to people in eligible groups who are at greater risk from flu or Covid-19 or who may benefit from protection.  This can include older adults, people with certain health conditions, pregnant women and some children.

Eligibility can change each season, so check the latest NHS guidance or ask your local pharmacy or GP practice.

Can I get flu and Covid-19 vaccinations at the same time?

In some circumstances, flu and COVID-19 vaccinations can be given during the same appointment.  Whether you are eligible for both vaccines depends on the NHS vaccination programme and your individual circumstances.

Why should I have a vaccination each year?

Viruses change over time and the strains expected to circulate can vary from one season to another.  The flu vaccines are updated regularly to provide protection against the strains expected during the upcoming season.

Our newsletter is published monthly and can be found here on our website, on our facebook page and printed out in our patient waiting room. It's a great way to keep updated on our practice news & health campaigns.

To read our newsletter for September 2026 please click HERE

Talan's Trust, a local charity, dedicated to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer, which in turn will lead to earlier diagnosis.

Talan died in May 2017 from Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a type of soft tissue sarcoma that grows in active muscles of the body. Talan was 19. His family miss him greatly.

A diagnosis of Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a truly devastating one as there are currently no effective targeted treatments for the aggressive form of this disease (that Talan had).

Talan’s Trust are determined to help change this.

Since Talan’s Trust was formed in 2017 the Trust has raised over £160,000 With numerous fund raisers, and  the help of the local community we are able to continue to help support a full time researcher at the I.C.R. The Institute of Cancer Research.

To read more please visit Funding research into RMS - Talan's Trust

Dr Angus MacDonald, at Neetside Surgery, talks about the signs and signals to look out for when spotting early signs of possible cancer ⬇️

Raising Awareness - Talan's Trust

And take time to read through the poster below ⬇️

You can also follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/talanstrust/ and keep updated with fundraisers and events.

With miles of coastline and more than a quarter of the region designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are perfect places to spend the summer. 

Whether you’re lucky enough to live here, or you’re visiting on holiday, if you find yourself or a family member is unwell or injured, Cornwall’s NHS wants to help you know ‘Where is best’ to get the treatment you need.

Susan Bracefield, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly offers this advice for visitors:

“If you’re visiting our coastal county over the holidays, there are a few simple things you can do to stay safe and well. Pack a basic first aid kit, keep a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated, and use insect repellent – especially if you’re out exploring. These small steps can make a big difference to your wellbeing. And while you’re here in Cornwall, our top tip is to remember always have your (sun) cream on top!

“If you do need medical help while you’re here, local pharmacies can offer quick advice and treatment. You can also contact your own GP back home for support, or use NHS 111 online to find the best place to go for care. For any life-threatening emergencies, always call 999.”

To read more on 'Where is best' please visit ⬇️

Helping residents and visitors stay well this summer: know where is best and remember your (sun) cream on top! - NHS Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

The UK has experienced scorching temperatures so far this summer. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding people that these hot conditions can affect medicines and how well they work.

The UK has experienced scorching temperatures so far this summer. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is reminding people that these hot conditions can affect medicines and how well they work.

Hot weather changes how your body responds to medications, which could impact people managing long-term conditions – but a few simple steps can help avoid problems.

Alison Cave, Chief Safety Officer at the MHRA, said:

“Let’s face it – when there’s a heatwave, most of us are focused on getting outside and enjoying it while it lasts. But it’s easy to forget that medicines left in the heat – in cars, bags, or on sunny windowsills – might not work properly when you need them.

“Some medicines can also make you more likely to burn in the sun, feel dizzy, or get dehydrated, especially if you’re taking diuretics or have a condition like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.

“To stay safe in the heat:

• Store medicines somewhere cool, dry and out of direct sunlight – especially if you’re out and about
• Know the signs of heat-related illness – stay hydrated and listen to your body
• Take extra care in the sun if your medicine makes your skin more likely to burn

“And remember, for all medicines it’s important to read the leaflet and speak to a healthcare professional if you have any questions.” 

To read more information please visit ⬇️

Don’t let this heatwave affect your medicines: Three important tips from the MHRA - GOV.UK

Melanoma: A serious but largely preventable cancer

Melanoma may be less common than other skin cancers, but it is significantly more dangerous if not detected early.

Incidence:

Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK.

In 2024, there were a record 20,800 new melanoma cases, up from an annual average of 19,300 between 2020 and 2022.

Over the past decade, melanoma incidence rates have increased by nearly a third (31%) in the UK.

Projections suggest that melanoma cases will continue to rise, reaching approximately 26,500 annually by 2038–2040.

Mortality:

Melanoma causes around 2,300 deaths each year in the UK, averaging more than six deaths per day.

It is the 20th most common cause of cancer death in the UK.

Projections indicate that annual deaths from melanoma will rise to approximately 2,800 by

2038–2040, despite a projected 12% decrease in mortality rates.

Prevention:

Approximately 86% of melanoma cases in the UK are preventable.

Despite increased awareness of the link between sun exposure and skin cancer, incidence rates are expected to continue rising, underscoring the need for ongoing public education on sun safety.

The seven point checklist for suspected Melanoma provided by Cancer UK - Melanoma skin cancer | Cancer Research UK

Sunburn and Melanoma

Although you don’t have to burn to contract melanoma, there is increasing evidence that excessive sun exposure, and particularly sunburn, when aged under 15 is a major risk factor for skin cancer in later life.

Protection of the skin of children and adolescents is therefore particularly important. Because of this, sunburn should be avoided by individuals of ALL ages.

Cornwall’s stunning coastline and sunny climate make it a prime spot for outdoor activities. However, this also means higher rates of skin cancer. New analysis from Cancer Research UK shows that melanoma cases in our region are among the highest on record.

Check out Cornish Stuff - Sun-Smart and Safe: Cornwall's NHS Reveals Top Summer Health Tips - CornishStuff

A new campaign has been launched to reduce the increasing rates of skin cancer amongst outdoor workers in Devon and Cornwall.

NHS figures for 2024/25 show there were 5,728 diagnoses of the condition across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Visit 

Nobody likes an unexpected trip to hospital. That’s why we’re using a new digital tool to help keep you safe and well at home.

This tool uses data to help identify people who might be at risk of becoming seriously unwell. If you’re identified, we’ll get in touch to invite you for a personalised assessment.

Our goal is simple: to support you early, so you can stay where you’re happiest—at home, doing what matters to you.

Want to learn more? Speak to a member of staff or visit:
🔗 https://www.england.nhs.uk/south/our-work/digital-neighbourhoods/

A free chickenpox vaccination will be offered for the first time to children across England on the NHS from January 2026.

• Government to launch chickenpox vaccination programme in England from January 2026, which will protect around half a million children each year
• Eligible children will receive the vaccine during routine GP appointments, which protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox
• The rollout will help raise the healthiest generation of children ever, while reducing sick days and time parents take off work

Thousands of children will be protected against chickenpox for the first time in England through a new vaccination programme that will keep kids in school and parents in work while also saving the NHS vital funds.

From January next year, GP practices will offer eligible children a combined vaccine for measles, mumps, rubella and varicella (MMRV) - the clinical term for chickenpox - as part of the routine infant vaccination schedule.

It will mean kids miss fewer days in nursery and school while parents will not need to take time off work to care for them. Research shows that chickenpox in childhood results in an estimated £24 million in lost income and productivity every year in the UK. The rollout will also save the NHS £15 million a year in costs for treating the common condition.

The chickenpox vaccine has been safely used for decades and is already part of the routine vaccine schedules in several countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia and Germany.

Chickenpox vaccine - NHS

Free chickenpox vaccination offered for first time to children - GOV.UK