Home > Our residents > Your health > Local NHS services > Flu vaccination

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.

 

 

Flu vaccination

Information about the flu vaccine, who can get it, and safety and side effects.

COVID-19 vaccination

Information about the COVID-19 vaccine and where newly immunosuppressed can get vaccinated

COVID-19 treatment

Information about COVID-19 treatment and who can get it.

Latest News, Stories & Events

A Level Results Day: young people off to university urged to get MenB vaccine before term starts

As many students celebrate their A Level results today, the NHS in south east London is urging eligible young people to treat getting vaccinated as an important part of preparing for university, alongside sorting accommodation and student finance. Students heading to university are at increased risk because MenB bacteria can spread through close contact such […]

13 Aug 2026
Young people encouraged to get MenB vaccine before heading to university

Young people heading to university this autumn can now book an appointment for the MenB vaccination. Appointments can be booked at high street pharmacies across south east London through the NHS website, with vaccinations available from Monday 20 July. Meningococcal B (MenB) can cause serious illnesses including inflammation of the lining of the brain and […]

16 Jul 2026
Residents encouraged to check their vaccination status following cases of measles in south east London

Health partners across south east London are working closely with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and local authorities to respond to a small number of confirmed measles cases. Measles is a highly infectious illness that spreads very easily among people who are not fully vaccinated. It usually starts with cold-like symptoms, followed by a […]

03 Jul 2026