How to get a flu vaccine
Flu vaccines are safe and effective. They’re offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.Adults who can have a flu vaccine
A flu vaccine is given to people who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer’s allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
Children who can have a flu vaccine
The children’s nasal spray flu vaccine is given to:
- children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2024 (born between 1 September 2020 and 31 August 2022)
- all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- some secondary school children (Year 7 to Year 11)
- children aged 2 to 17 with certain long-term health conditions
Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.Where to get a flu vaccine
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home, or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.
Children aged 2 and 3 years old can get the children’s flu vaccine at their GP surgery. School-aged children will get their vaccine through their school or a community clinic.