Who is eligible for a flu vaccine?

Flu is a virus which is more common in winter, is highly infectious and can lead to serious illness. Getting a flu vaccination is safe and gives the best protection from the virus and helps reduce any spread to others.

Ranjeet, Supported Living Unit Manager sitting in a garden

I’m having my vaccinations to protect me and the people I care for.

Ranjeet, Supported Living Unit Manager

Where to get the flu vaccine

You can have a free flu vaccine from the NHS at:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy offering the service
  • your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
  • a hospital appointment

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

  • Children aged 2 or 3
  • Primary school aged children
  • are 65 years old or older
  • under 65 years old in a clinical risk group
  • are pregnant
  • are in long-stay residential care
  • receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person
  • live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • frontline health or social care workers (through your employer, or by booking online or by calling 119.

If you are not eligible for a free flu vaccine, you can also buy a flu vaccine during the autumn and winter at a local pharmacy, subject to stock availability. Please speak to a pharmacist for more information.

Page last reviewed Next review date