The flu vaccine is given free to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2023)
- 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
- are frontline health workers
- are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work
Starting from mid-September, people aged 65years old or over (including those who will be 65 years old by 31 March 2024) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so at-risk groups can be offered vaccination first. If you’re in this age group and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.