Flu vaccines for people with medical conditions

The free flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including:

• conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
• heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
• some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
• diabetes or Addison’s disease
• a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
• problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
• a learning disability
• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

The flu vaccine is also recommended for people who:

• are aged 65 or over
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

How to get your vaccine

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:

• Find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
• contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.

Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service or care home.

Children aged 2 and 3 years old can get the Children’s flu vaccine at their GP surgery. School-aged children will get their vaccine through their school or a community clinic.

More information on flu vaccines.