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.

Appointments can be made now on the NHS website or in the NHS app. If you can’t get online, call 119 or visit a walk in clinic at a pharmacy.

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

How to book:

• Parents of children aged 2 or 3 can contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination. Some pharmacies also offer the vaccine for this age group. Check the NHS pharmacy finder to find your nearest participating pharmacy.
• 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.

How to book:

• Contact your GP surgery or  maternity service.
• Go to a pharmacy that offers free NHS flu vaccinations. Appointments can be booked on the NHS website or in the NHS App now.

For more information, visit the NHS website.