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.
Children’s flu vaccine
The children’s flu vaccine is recommended for:
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023)
- school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
- children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults