After the success of the National Booking Service during COVID, the NHS in England is exploring whether people can schedule their flu vaccinations online.
For 12 million individuals aged 50 to 64, reservations for the autumn COVID booster shot will be available on Friday.
Appointments will be available to book online or by phone after the successful trial of the National Booking Service during the COVID vaccination program. Those who are unable to get online will be given alternative ways to book.
The service is also testing whether flu jabs can be booked in a similar way, with people at 200 sites across the country offered the chance to book this way.
People can still book flu vaccinations through their GP practice or by visiting a pharmacy delivering the jabs.
Around 33 million people in England will be eligible for a flu vaccine this year, including some children who will be given the flu nasal spray.
Since the COVID booster programme began a month ago, seven million people have come forward for their vaccine.
Some 26 million people are eligible for the COVID booster and people have been urged to get the jab amid a warning of a potential “twindemic“ of flu and COVID.
Amanda Pritchard, chief executive of NHS England, said “the rollout is off to a flying start”, adding that it is vital to get protected against COVID and flu in what could be an “extremely challenging winter for the NHS”.
Steve Russell, director for vaccinations and screening, said more than seven million autumn COVID boosters have been administered so far.
He is urging people between the ages of 50 and 64 to log on and book an appointment.
Dr Susan Hopkins, the chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The double threat of widely circulating flu and COVID this year is a real concern, so it’s crucial that you take up the free flu vaccine as soon as possible if you are offered it.
“It will help protect you from severe flu this winter, and even save your life.
“All those over 50 are now eligible for the jab, many of which will have low natural immunity due to COVID restrictions over the last two years.”