Who can get a flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people at greater risk of becoming seriously ill from flu, including:
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People with certain long-term health conditions
- Residents of care homes for older adults
- Carers
- Close contacts of people with weakened immune systems
- Children aged 2 and 3 years
- School-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- People experiencing homelessness or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
- Frontline Health and Social Care workers
When are flu vaccinations available?
- Children and pregnant women can usually receive their flu vaccine from 1st September 2026.
- Most eligible adults will be invited from 1st October 2026.
- Flu vaccination campaign ends on 31st March 2027 of all eligible people.
How will I be contacted?
You may receive an invitation from the NHS, your GP practice, maternity service, school immunisation team, or another local vaccination provider.
You do not need to wait for an invitation if you know you are eligible.
How do I book?
You can:
- Book through the NHS App
- Book online via NHS vaccination services
- Contact your GP practice
- Visit a participating community pharmacy
- Call 119 if you cannot access online services (translators are available in over 200 languages)
Where can I get vaccinated?
Flu vaccinations are available through:
- GP practices
- Community pharmacies
- School vaccination programmes
- Local NHS vaccination clinics