The 2026/27 NHS flu jab is available now, and if you're eligible it's free. At Qrystal Pharmacy on Borough High Street you can walk in without an appointment, be seen in a private room, and be back on your way in about ten minutes.
This guide covers who gets the jab free this season, why late October and November is the time to have it, what to do if you're not eligible, and how to reach us from Borough, London Bridge and Elephant & Castle.
Why now is the right time
Flu in the UK usually builds through December and peaks around the turn of the year. The vaccine takes about two weeks to give you full protection. Have it in late October or November and you're covered before the wave, rather than catching up with it.
The NHS programme runs until 31 March 2027, so if you've missed the autumn it's still worth having. But a jab in January protects you for less of the season than one now.
You need a new jab every year, even if you had one last autumn. Flu viruses change, and each season's vaccine is updated to match the strains expected to circulate. Protection from last year's jab also fades.
Who gets it free in 2026/27
For this season, the free NHS flu jab is for:
- Adults aged 65 or over, including anyone who turns 65 by 31 March 2027
- Adults aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term conditions, including asthma that needs an inhaler, COPD, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease, some neurological conditions, a weakened immune system, and a BMI of 40 or above
- Pregnant people, at any stage of pregnancy
- Care home residents
- Main carers for an older or disabled person, and people who get Carer's Allowance
- People who live with someone with a weakened immune system
- Frontline health and social care workers, usually through their employer; social care staff who can't get it at work can come to a pharmacy
If you're not sure whether your condition counts, come in and ask. The pharmacist can check in a couple of minutes. The NHS flu vaccine page has the full list.
Children are vaccinated with a nasal spray, at the GP practice for 2- and 3-year-olds and through school for school-age children, rather than at the pharmacy.
Southwark is behind on flu jabs
Southwark has consistently had some of the lowest flu vaccine uptake in England. In 2024/25, NHS data shows:
- 55.8% of Southwark residents aged 65 and over had their flu jab, against 74.9% across England
- 32.3% of at-risk people under 65 in Southwark were vaccinated, against 40.0% in England
That's a lot of people locally who qualify for a free jab and don't have one. Some don't realise they're eligible, particularly younger adults with asthma or diabetes. Some never get round to booking at their GP practice. A walk-in jab on the way to or from the station is one answer to that.
Not eligible? Private flu jabs
If you're healthy and under 65, you won't get a free NHS jab, but you can still have one. We offer private flu jabs to anyone aged 18 and over. It's the same consultation, the same kind of vaccine and the same ten minutes. You pay at the time.
People round here often choose it because:
- They commute on packed Northern line and Thameslink trains every day
- They live with a new baby or someone older and want to avoid bringing flu home
- They can't afford a week off, freelancers and shift workers especially
- They work in hospitality around Borough Market, where staff are close to the public all day
Ask in the pharmacy or call 020 7403 2237 for the current price.
What happens when you walk in
- Tell the counter you're here for a flu jab. We'll check whether you qualify for the NHS jab or a private one.
- A short consultation in our private room. The pharmacist asks about allergies, medicines, any reaction to previous vaccines, and whether you're unwell today.
- The jab, a quick injection in your upper arm. Wear something with a loose sleeve.
- Five minutes in the pharmacy afterwards, just in case of a rare immediate reaction.
- Your record goes to your GP electronically, so it shows on your NHS record.
Most people are done in about ten minutes. If you'd rather know exactly when you'll be seen, book a slot.
If you're eligible for COVID too, you can usually have both at the same visit, one in each arm. This season that's adults aged 75 and over, care home residents and people with a weakened immune system. Our COVID vaccine guide for autumn 2026 explains who qualifies.
After the jab
The injected flu vaccine can't give you flu. It doesn't contain live virus. Common side effects are:
- A sore arm for a day or two
- Feeling a bit tired or achy
- A slight temperature
They usually pass within two days. Paracetamol helps if you need it. Get medical advice if you feel very unwell or anything lasts longer than a few days.
Feeling ill on the day? A cold is fine. If you have a fever, wait until you're better and come in then.
Getting here
We're at 301 Borough High Street, London SE1 1JH, on the main road between Borough station and London Bridge.
- From Borough station (Northern line): about 2 minutes' walk north along Borough High Street, towards London Bridge.
- From London Bridge (Northern & Jubilee lines, National Rail): about 8 minutes. Head south down Borough High Street past Borough Market.
- From Elephant & Castle: one stop north on the Northern line to Borough, or around 15–20 minutes on foot up Newington Causeway.
- Buses: frequent routes stop directly outside.
We're also close to Guy's Hospital, Borough Market and Southwark Cathedral.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday 9:00–18:30, Saturday 9:00–14:00. Walk in with no appointment, call 020 7403 2237, or book online.
More on winter health
For the wider winter picture, including other vaccines, cold prevention and planning ahead with a long-term condition, see our winter health guide for SE1. If you do get ill this winter, our guides to sore throats and sinusitis or a bad cold explain what we can treat under Pharmacy First.
Ten minutes now is a lot less than a week in bed in January. If you've been meaning to get it done, walk in this week.
