Flu Vaccine

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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.

This page is about the flu vaccine for adults. There are also pages about the children’s flu vaccine and flu jab in pregnancy.

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.Health conditions that mean you’re eligible for the 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.

How to get the flu vaccine

If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)

Some people may be able to get the vaccine through their maternity service or care home.

The NHS will usually let you know in autumn or early winter when you can get your flu vaccine. Speak to your GP surgery if you have not been contacted, but you think you are eligible.

For more information, please visit NHS: Flu vaccine.

Please also see the BSL video for ‘The flu vaccination: who should have it and why’.