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 (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- 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.
How to get the flu vaccine
Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2025.
Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2025.
You may be able to get a flu vaccine from:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination
- your maternity service (if you’re pregnant)
- your care home (if you live in a care home)
- your employer (if you’re a health or social care worker)