Annual seasonal flu vaccination
Published: 24 October 2023
Getting a flu vaccine is more important than ever due to the likelihood that flu and Covid-19 will both be in circulation. You will be contacted by your GP and/or workplace if you are eligible for a flu vaccine during the 2023/24 winter season.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
• 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
The flu vaccine for children is given free on the NHS to:
• children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023 (born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2021)
• all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
• some secondary school aged children
• children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
You can find further information on seasonal flu – including common symptoms and treatment options – by visiting the NHS Flu web pages.