The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
— are aged 65 or over
— have certain long-term health conditions
— 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
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
Find out more about the flu vaccine for adults
Find out more about the flu jab in pregnancy
Who should have the children’s flu vaccine
The children’s flu vaccine is offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
It’s recommended for:
— children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
— children aged 2 or 3 years
— school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
Find out more about the children’s flu vaccine
When you should have the flu vaccine
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.
This may be later than you’ve had the vaccine before, but it means you’ll have the best protection when flu is most widespread.
Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024, including if:
you’re pregnant (especially if you’re near to your due date) – it’s important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
you’re due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger
Speak to your GP for advice if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October.