Flu

Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It’s important to get the flu vaccine if you’re advised to.

It’s important to get your seasonal flu and COVID-19 vaccinations if you’re at higher risk of getting seriously ill from these illnesses.

How to get the flu vaccine

Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They’re offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

  • Adults who can have a flu vaccine

    A flu vaccine is given to people who:

    • are 65 and over
    • have certain health conditions
    • are pregnant
    • are in long-stay residential care
    • receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
    • live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
  • Children who can have a flu vaccine

    The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is given to:

    • children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2024 (born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2022)
    • all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
    • some secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11)
    • children aged 2 to 17 with certain long-term health conditions

    Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.

  • Where to get a flu vaccine

    If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from:

    • your GP surgery
    • a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over)

    The NHS will let you know in autumn or early winter when you can get your flu vaccine.

    Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.

    School-aged children will be offered a vaccine at school or an NHS community clinic.

Find out more about the flu vaccine: