Who should have the flu vaccine

The free NHS flu vaccine is available this autumn to:

  • people aged 65 or over
  • people with certain long term health conditions
  • those that live in a care home
  • carers
  • people who live with someone with a weakened immune system
  • pregnant women and birthing people

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2025 but appointments can be made now on the NHS website or in the NHS app.

Children’s flu vaccine

The flu vaccine helps protect children against flu and serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. It is recommended for:

  • children aged 2-3 years
  • school aged children
  • children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long term health conditions

From 1 September:

  • parents of children who are aged 2 or 3 can contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination.
  • school-aged children (from reception to Year 11) will mainly be offered their flu vaccinations at school. You can also attend a flu vaccine catch up clinic in the community.

Pregnant women and birthing people

It’s recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they’re at.

From 1 September 2025, pregnant women and birthing people can book a flu vaccine by contacting their GP surgery or  maternity service.

From 1 October 2025, adults can also get vaccinated at a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination. Appointments can be booked on the NHS website or in the NHS App now.

For more information, visit the NHS website.

 

 

Latest News, Stories & Events

Thousands of Covid-19 vaccines already given in south east London this spring

A strong start to the spring Covid-19 vaccination offer means thousands of residents in south east London are already increasing their protection against the virus. Those that need extra protection this year include people aged 75 and over (including those by 17 June 2025), older adult care home residents, and immunosuppressed individuals aged six months […]

08 Apr 2025
Get protected against flu as cases rise

Flu cases are rising across south east London. As a result, health services are under increased pressure, with more patients coming into hospital sick and needing urgent care. In some hospitals up to a third of admissions are because of flu. The flu vaccine can protect those most vulnerable from getting seriously ill. Hundreds of […]

03 Jan 2025
SEL ICB leads maternal RSV vaccination efforts

Thousands of pregnant women and birthing people in south east London have received the RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) vaccine this autumn, providing essential protection to their unborn babies. As of 11 November, midwives at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, King’s College NHS Foundation Trust, and Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust have administered over […]

11 Nov 2024