Carers UK is urging unpaid carers to take up the free NHS flu vaccine this winter, with official guidance making the jab available to millions of Britons who care for older or disabled people.
The charity said it is raising awareness of Government guidance in a bid to get more unpaid carers protected from the illness going into the colder months. During the 2025 to 2026 flu season, uptake among carers aged 16 to 64 who were not themselves in a clinical risk group stood at 31.3% — fewer than 260,000 people.
Why carers may miss out
Carers UK warned that unpaid carers who “struggle to look after their own health and wellbeing” alongside their caring responsibilities “may feel unable to prioritise their own appointments.”
The charity’s research shows 40% of carers have cancelled a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of their caring roles. It also warned that “many more” unpaid carers do not get the flu jab because they have not formally recognised their caring role and therefore have not mentioned it to their GP.
Charity calls for better identification
Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, said: “A free NHS flu jab is an important way to protect yourself and your family this winter, but many people who are providing unpaid care don’t think of themselves as carers, they could be unaware of their eligibility for a free flu jab and be missing out.
“We can all play a part in helping people to identify as unpaid carers. We need clear and consistent public messaging to ensure the message about free flu jab eligibility reaches the right people. GP practices also have an important role to play in proactively identifying unpaid carers and encouraging them to book their vaccination.”
Who is eligible for a free flu jab
Unpaid carers are one of several groups able to receive the jab free of charge. The full list of people who can get an NHS flu vaccine includes:
- Those aged 65 or over, including those who will be 65 by March 31 2027
- Those aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
- Pregnant women
- Main carers for an older or disabled person, or those receiving a carer’s allowance
- Those who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Those aged 16 or over who are rough sleeping or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can receive a flu vaccine through their employer. The NHS says the jab is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
