The annual flu vaccine is vital for protecting individuals at higher risk of serious illness from flu. It is offered every year on the NHS in autumn and early winter.
Who Should Receive the Flu Vaccine?
The flu vaccine is recommended and available for free on the NHS to:
✅Everyone aged 65 and over (including those turning 65 by 31 March 2026)
✅Pregnant women
✅Pregnant womenPeople with certain long-term health conditions (including respiratory, heart, kidney, liver, neurological conditions, diabetes, weakened immune systems, learning disabilities, and high BMI)
✅Residents in care homes
✅Carers receiving carer’s allowance or those who care for older or disabled persons
✅Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
✅Frontline health and social care workers
When and Where Can You Get Vaccinated?
Vaccinations for most eligible individuals start from 1 October 2025 pregnant women and some others from 1 September 2025.
You can get your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, pharmacies offering NHS flu vaccinations, maternity services, care homes, or through your employer if you are a frontline health or social care worker.
If employed by a registered care or hospice provider, but unable to get vaccinated at work, you can attend your GP or pharmacy.
Additional Information
Flu vaccines can be given alongside other vaccines like COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
The flu vaccine does not contain live viruses and cannot cause flu.
Mild side effects may occur but serious reactions are very rare.
Annual vaccination is important as flu viruses change each year and protection wanes over time.
For full details, including specific eligible groups and vaccine types, please visit the NHS website or speak with your GP or occupational health service.
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
Stay protected this winter, ensure you and those you care for get the flu vaccine.
