Stay Well This Winter 

Protect yourself and others with the flu vaccine 

Having the flu vaccine ahead of winter helps to keep yourself and those around you safe and reduces your risk of serious illness. 

While flu is very unpleasant for most people, it can be very dangerous and even life-threatening for some, particularly older people, pregnant women, babies and young children, and people living with certain health conditions. 

That’s why the flu vaccine is offered free of charge to people who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, or who are more likely to pass flu on to vulnerable individuals.

Am I eligible for a free flu vaccination? 

You may be eligible for a free flu vaccine if you: 

  • Are aged 65 years and over (including those who will turn 65 by 31 March 2027) 

  • Are aged 18 to 64 years and have certain long-term health conditions 

  • Are pregnant 

  • Live in a care home 

  • Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance 

  • Live with someone who has a weakened immune system 

  • Are experiencing homelessness as a rough sleeper or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter

  • Work in frontline health or social care, such as in a care home or hospital 

When can I have my free flu vaccination? 

The flu vaccination programme begins: 

  • 1 September 2026 for: 
    • Pregnant women 
    • Children aged 2 to 16  
  • 1 October 2026 for: 
    • All other eligible groups

You can book your appointment through the NHS National Booking System 

Where can I get a free flu vaccination? 

You can receive your free flu vaccination at: 

  • Most GP practices

  • Participating community pharmacies- please see list below

  • The Living Well Bus (check Knowsley News and the Knowsley Council Facebook page for upcoming dates and locations) 

  • Through the School Aged Immunisation Service 0151 351 8805

    Children attending primary or secondary school, and some nurseries, will be offered a flu nasal spray when the School Aged Immunisations Service visits their school in the Autumn. Parents/ Carers need to give their consent for this to happen and this can be done via the online system, information on which will be sent to all parents/carers through the School Aged Immunisation Service- look out for an email, letter or text.

Huyton Postcode Childrens Adults
Sedem Pharmacy, Longview Primacy Care Centre, Longview Drive, Huyton
L36 6EB Yes Yes
Allied Pharmacy, Tarbock Road, Huyton L36 5XN Yes Yes
Daveys Chemist, 112 Dinas Lane, Huyton L36 2NS No Yes
Daveys Chemist, 43-45 Manor Farm Road, Huyton L36 0UB No Yes
Daveys Chemist, Bluebell Health Care Resource Centre, Bluebell Lane, Huyton L36 7XY No Yes
Well Pharmacy, North Huyton Primary Care Resource Centre, Woolfall Health Avenue L36 3TN Yes Yes
Exel Pharmacy, 40 Hillside Road, Huyton L36 8BJ Yes Yes
ASDA Pharmacy, Huyton Lane, Huyton L36 7TX Yes Yes
Sedem Pharmacy, 27 Woolfall Heath Avenue, Huyton L36 3TH Yes Yes
Superdrug Pharmacy, Derby Road, Huyton L36 9UJ No Yes
Stockbridge Pharmacy, Unit 8 The Croft, Stockbridge Village L28 1NR No Yes
Kirkby
Rowlands Pharmacy, Moorfield Health centre, Ebony Way, Tower Hill, Shevington L33 1ZQ Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, 11 Richard Hesketh Drive, Westvale, Whitefield L32 0TU Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, 54-56 St Chads Parade, Kirkby L32 8RE Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, St Laurences Medical Centre, Leeside Avenue, Kirkby
L32 9QU
L32 9QU Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, 17-19 Broad Lane, Southdene, Kirkby L32 6QA Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, 5 Old Rough Lane, Northwood L33 6XE Yes Yes
Tops Pharmacy, Units 5-6, Glovers Brow Shops, Kirkby L32 2AE No Yes
Halewood
Boots Pharmacy, Roseheath Drive, Halewood L26 9UH No Yes
Cohens Chemist, Hollies Road, Halewood Village L26 0TH Yes Yes
Prescot and Whiston
Boots Pharmacy, Prescot Cables Retail Park, Prescot L34 5NQ No Yes
Prescriptions Pharmacy, The Kiosk, Manchester Road, Prescot L34 1LT Yes Yes
Rowlands Pharmacy, 42 Eccleston Street, Prescot L34 5QJ Yes Yes
Tesco Pharmacy, Cables retail Park, Steeley Way, Prescot L34 5NQ Yes Yes

Information for those most at risk

The flu vaccine is offered to children to help protect them from flu and reduce the spread of the virus to family members and the wider community. 

Children eligible for the flu vaccine include: 

  • All children aged 2 and 3 years 
  • School-aged children from Reception to Year 11 (aged 4 to 16 years old) 
  • Children and young people aged 6 months to 17 years with certain health conditions 

For most children, the vaccine is given as a quick and painless nasal spray. Find out more about the Children’s flu vaccine.

Pregnant women are at increased risk of complications from flu, particularly during the later stages of pregnancy. 

Having the flu vaccine during pregnancy helps to protect both you and your baby. It can be given safely at any stage of pregnancy and also provides protection to your baby during the first few months after birth. 

If you have any questions, please speak to your midwife about receiving your flu vaccination from your GP or a participating community pharmacy. More information can be found here.

If you are aged between 18 and 64 years and have certain health conditions, you may be eligible for a free flu vaccine. 

This includes people with conditions such as: 

  • Chronic respiratory disease (including severe asthma) 
  • Heart disease 
  • Kidney disease 
  • Liver disease 
  • Diabetes 
  • Neurological conditions 
  • A weakened immune system 

Flu can lead to serious complications for people with underlying health conditions. Vaccination is the best way to reduce your risk of severe illness and hospitalisation during winter. 

Speak to your GP practice or pharmacist if you are unsure whether you are eligible. More information can be found here.

People aged 65 years and over are at higher risk of serious illness and complications from flu. 

The flu vaccine helps to: 

  • Reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell 
  • Lower your chance of being admitted to hospital due to flu 
  • Protect family members and others within the community 

You are eligible for a free flu vaccination if you are aged 65 or over, or will turn 65 by 31 March 2027. 

Arrange your vaccination through your GP practice, a participating community pharmacy, or through the Living Well Bus.

Other ways to stay well this winter

Alongside getting your flu vaccine, you can help protect yourself and others by: 

  • Washing your hands regularly  

  • Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue 

  • Keeping warm during cold weather 

  • Ensuring repeat prescriptions are ordered in good time 

  • Staying at home if you are unwell where possible 

Need more information? 

For advice on flu vaccination eligibility or local vaccination services, speak to your GP practice or pharmacist, or visit the flu page on the NHS website.