It’s rarely too late. The NHS flu season runs until 31 March 2027, and flu circulates into late winter, so a jab in December or January still protects you for the rest of the season. Protection takes about two weeks to build, which is why earlier is better: most people are best done by 30 November 2026. You can check whether yours is free and book it on our flu jab page.
The flu season, and where it is today
Flu vaccinations are open to everyone who's eligible. Most people should be done by the end of November.
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1 September
Children and pregnancy
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1 October
You are here
Everyone else who qualifies
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30 November
Most people done by now
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31 March
The season ends
Why a later jab is still worth having
Flu doesn’t stop in December
Flu tends to circulate from December and carries on into late winter, so a jab later in the winter still covers the weeks when flu is going round.
Two weeks to work
Protection builds over about two weeks, so a jab today protects you from about a fortnight’s time. That’s the reason to book now rather than next month.
In January
If you haven’t had one this season, yes. January is inside the season, and flu is still circulating.
Still free
If you’re in one of the NHS groups, it’s free until 31 March 2027. If you’re not, a private jab is £26.
How long it lasts, and why it’s every year
This season
One flu jab protects you through the season it’s given in.
Why every year
The viruses change from one winter to the next, so the vaccine is updated every year to match. Last winter’s jab wasn’t made for this winter’s viruses.
When the season ends
Flu vaccinations stop on 31 March 2027 and start again in the autumn with the new season’s vaccine.
Questions about timing
Is it too late to get the flu jab in December?
No. Flu tends to circulate from December and carries on into late winter, and the NHS season runs until 31 March 2027.
Is it worth getting the flu jab in January?
Yes, if you haven’t had one this season. Flu is still circulating, and protection takes about two weeks to build, so the sooner the better.
How long does the flu jab last?
It protects you through the season it’s given in. The vaccine is updated every year to match the viruses expected that winter, which is why it’s every year.
When is the best time to have the flu jab?
In the autumn, before flu starts circulating. Pregnant women and children can have it from 1 September 2026, and everyone else who qualifies from 1 October 2026. Most people are best done by 30 November 2026.
Can I have the flu jab after March?
No. The flu season ends on 31 March 2027, and vaccinations start again in the autumn with the new season’s vaccine.
Sources
- NHS: flu vaccine, checked 17 September 2026
- National flu immunisation programme 2026 to 2027 letter, checked 17 September 2026
- 2026/27 COVID-19 and adult influenza vaccination service specification for community pharmacy, checked 17 September 2026
