Free NHS flu, Covid and RSV vaccines at Broad Street Mall on Thursday 1 October, the first day of the winter campaign, with 30 stalls and pension credit advice.
Free NHS flu, Covid-19 and RSV vaccines are being offered in a Reading shopping centre next Thursday, on the first morning the autumn programme opens anywhere in the country.
Reading’s Older Persons’ Day runs in Broad Street Mall on Thursday 1 October, from 9.30am to 2pm. It is free and open to everyone. NHS vaccines are offered on the day to anyone who is eligible (Reading Borough Council).
The date matters more than the council’s announcement says. 1 October is the first day of the NHS autumn vaccination programme. Flu and Covid-19 appointments across the country do not start until that morning (NHS flu vaccine, NHS COVID-19 vaccine). So this is not a catch-up clinic at the tail end of a campaign. It is day one.
Who can have which jab
The council says vaccines are available “for eligible residents”. Eligibility is not the same for all three, and it is worth checking before you make the trip into town.
The flu vaccine is the widest of the three. You qualify if you are 65 or over, including anyone who turns 65 by 31 March 2027. You also qualify if you are 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, if you are pregnant, if you live in a care home, if you are the main carer for an older or disabled person or receive carer’s allowance, or if you live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
The Covid-19 vaccine is narrower. It is for people aged 75 or over, including anyone who turns 75 by 31 January 2027, for anyone from six months to 74 with a weakened immune system, and for care home residents. The NHS says you do not need to wait for an invitation before booking.
The RSV vaccine is narrower still. It is for people aged 75 or over, and for people aged 65 to 74 who have a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition. RSV is respiratory syncytial virus, a common cause of coughs and colds that in older adults can turn into pneumonia (NHS RSV vaccine).
If you fall outside all three groups, you can still book a flu or Covid appointment through the NHS App or the NHS website if you are eligible on other grounds, and the rest of the day is open to everyone regardless of age.
What else is there
The council says there will be more than 30 stalls, spread across the ground and first floors of the mall. Named organisations include:
- Citizens Advice Reading and Age UK Berkshire, giving benefit and pension credit advice
- The council’s Housing and Energy Support Team, on how to heat a home affordably this winter
- Berkshire Vision, the Alzheimer’s Society and Royal Berkshire Hospital
- CultureMix, Dunsden Green Country Dance Club and Get Berkshire Active, running dance and exercise sessions you can join in
- The Age UK Berkshire Choir, performing on the day
- The University of Reading robotics team, and the council’s Adult Social Care TEC team, giving demonstrations
The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Paul Gittings, opens the event at 10am, with the council leader Cllr Liz Terry there.
Glenn Dennis, lead councillor for adult social care, said: “There really is something for everyone, whether it’s advice on keeping bills down in the cold weather, important vaccines ahead of the winter period and even a chance to try out a dance or exercise class.”
Who is behind it
The day is organised by Reading’s Older People’s Working Group, supported by the council and by Age UK Berkshire and Age UK Reading. The group is made up of older residents and of organisations that work with them, and it meets quarterly.
It takes new members. Anyone who wants to join, or to raise something at a meeting, can email OPWG@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 9373856.
What it means for you
- If you are 65 or over, you can have your flu jab on the first day it is available anywhere, in a shopping centre rather than a surgery, with no appointment.
- If you are 75 or over, all three vaccines are open to you on the same visit.
- If you are under 65 and healthy, you cannot have a free flu jab here, but nothing else on the day is age restricted.
- If someone in your family is on universal credit or a low income and over pension age, the pension credit stall is the reason to go. Citizens Advice and Age UK are both there.
- If you drive in, Broad Street Mall has its own multi-storey. Our guide to parking in Reading compares it with the council car parks, including the ones that are free on a Sunday.
- If you come by bus or on foot, check this week’s roadworks and travel first. Bath Road is being resurfaced in daylight and six routes are on diversion.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is Reading’s Older Persons’ Day 2026?
Thursday 1 October, in Broad Street Mall, from 9.30am to 2pm. It is free and open to everyone, and the Mayor of Reading opens it at 10am.
Can I get a flu jab at Older Persons’ Day?
Yes, if you are in an NHS eligible group. That includes anyone aged 65 or over, anyone who turns 65 by 31 March 2027, people aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions, pregnant women, care home residents, main carers, and people who live with someone who has a weakened immune system.
Can I get a Covid booster there?
Only if you are 75 or over, will turn 75 by 31 January 2027, are aged six months to 74 with a weakened immune system, or live in a care home for older adults. The NHS says you do not need to wait for an invitation before booking.
Who can have the RSV vaccine?
People aged 75 or over, and people aged 65 to 74 who have a weakened immune system or a long-term lung condition.
Do I have to be over 65 to go?
No. The council says all are welcome regardless of age. The age rules apply to the NHS vaccines, not to the event.
How do I join Reading’s Older People’s Working Group?
Email OPWG@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 9373856. The group is made up of older residents and organisations that support them, and it meets quarterly.
Sources
- Reading Borough Council, Residents invited to attend Older Persons’ Day on 1 October, 22 September 2026, for the date, times, venue, stallholders, the mayor’s opening and the quote.
- NHS, Flu vaccine, read 24 September 2026, for flu eligibility and the 1 October start.
- NHS, COVID-19 vaccine, read 24 September 2026, for Covid eligibility and the 1 October start.
- NHS, RSV vaccine, read 24 September 2026, for RSV eligibility and what RSV is.
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