Keeping yourself and those you support safe and protected is everyone’s priority and one of the best ways to protect yourself and others is to be vaccinated. Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases. The COVID-19 vaccine and season Flu vaccine offer is open to eligible people this autumn.
Flu vaccinations
Flu spreads more easily in winter when we spend more time together indoors, and it can cause serious illness. It is important to get protected, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
Those eligible for a flu vaccine include:
• all children aged 2 and 3 years old on 31 August 2026
• primary school aged children (from reception to year 6)
• secondary school aged children (from year 7 to Year 11)
• people aged 65 and over
• people with certain long term health conditions, from 6 months to under 65s
• pregnant women
• care home residents
• carers in receipt of carers allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• people experiencing homelessness
• frontline health and social care workers
All those eligible are urged to have their free flu vaccine to help them stay strong this winter – don’t put it off, book your appointment today and help protect against the risk of severe illness.
If you have not received an invitation for a flu vaccination from you GP, you can check you eligibility here, find out what local pharmacies are offering vaccinations and book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination
COVID-19 vaccinations
COVID-19 spreads more easily in winter because we spend more time indoors with others.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is a targeted offer to those at highest risk of serious disease. Topping up your COVID-19 vaccination will reduce serious symptoms and speed up your recovery if you do catch COVID-19. This protection will last through winter.
Who is eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination?
• adults aged 75 years and over (or turning 75 before 31 January 2027)
• residents in care homes for older adults
• individuals who are immunosuppressed, aged 6 months and over
Speak to your local GP or pharmacist if you are not sure if you are eligible.
There are a number of walk-in clinics available for COVID vaccinations across East Sussex up to the end of the year. Booking is recommended (using the link below) although walk-in vaccinations are available subject to availability:
Eastbourne
Eastbourne Library, Grove Road, BN21 4TL
Time: 10.30am-3.30pm Dates: OCTOBER 17, 24, 29, 31 NOVEMBER 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 DECEMBER 3, 5, 10, 12
Eastbourne – Langney
Langney Shopping Centre, 64 Kingfisher Drive, Eastbourne BN23
Time: 10am-12.30pm and 1.20 -3.20pm Date: OCTOBER 21
Eastbourne – Chantry House
East Sussex Hearing, 22 Upperton Road, Eastbourne, BN21 1BF
Time: 10am -12.30pm and 1.20 – 3.30pm Dates: NOVEMBER 9 DECEMBER 14
COVID vaccinations are also available the Eastbourne Winter Wellness Event at the Towner, Friday 23 October 2026 from 9.30am-3pm. Go along for a wider winter wellness offer delivered with local partners. Care for the Carers will be at the event.
Seaford
Downs Leisure Centre, Sutton Road, BN25 4QW
Time: 11.50am – 3.20pm Dates: OCTOBER 20, 27 NOVEMBER 3, 10, 17, 24 DECEMBER 1, 8, 15
Polegate
Polegate Community Association, 54 Windsor Way, BN26 6QF
Time: 10am – 3.20pm Dates: OCTOBER 16, 23
Hailsham
Civic Community Hall, 9-20 Vicarage Lane, BN27 1BE
Time: 10.20am – 12.30pm Dates: OCTOBER 16, 23, 30 NOVEMBER 6, 13, 20, 27 DECEMBER 4, 11, 18
Hastings
YMCA Hastings & Rother, Y Centre, St Paul’s Road, TN37 6RS
Time: 10.30am -3pm Dates: NOVEMBER 9 DECEMBER 14
SDHC is not able to vaccinate under-18s at these clinics. If you are under 18 and eligible, your GP practice can advise you.
