Healthy adults under 65 can still receive a free NHS flu jab if they care for someone else, according to a GP. The reminder comes as England's main adult flu vaccination programme begins today (October 1).
Eligibility extends beyond older people and those with medical conditions. People who receive Carer's Allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person, can qualify even if they have no underlying illness themselves. Adults living with someone who has a weakened immune system are also eligible, meaning a household member's health can be a reason to get vaccinated.
Who can get the free vaccine
Dr Asiya Maula, private GP at The Health Suite, said people should consider requesting the jab if a loved one relies on them, as "protecting your own health also helps protect the support they depend on". She said: "Someone might think, 'I'm healthy and under 65, so the free flu jab isn't for me.' But their caring responsibilities or the health of somebody they live with may make them eligible."
Eligibility is not restricted to people employed in care or receiving a benefit. Being the main carer for an older or disabled person is a separate qualifying category. Dr Maula said: "Many people describe themselves simply as a daughter, partner or friend, rather than a carer. Yet they may be helping with washing, dressing, meals or everyday tasks that somebody cannot manage alone."
How to arrange the jab
Dr Maula said flu can create two problems for a caring household: the risk of passing the infection to someone vulnerable, and the disruption if their main source of support becomes too unwell to help. She said: "Vaccination cannot guarantee you will avoid flu, but it is an important way to reduce the risk. It is also worth agreeing who could step in if you become ill."
Dr Maula stressed that the vaccine protects against influenza, rather than the many different viruses responsible for ordinary colds. Eligible adults can arrange vaccination through their GP surgery or a participating pharmacy, with online booking also available through the NHS website and NHS App.
Full list of eligible groups
According to the NHS website, people can get the free NHS flu vaccine if they:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are aged 18 to 64 and 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
- are aged 16 or over and sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer. The flu vaccine is recommended for people with certain long-term health conditions, including conditions that affect breathing (such as asthma needing a steroid inhaler or tablets, COPD or cystic fibrosis), heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure, chronic kidney disease, liver disease such as cirrhosis or hepatitis, some conditions affecting the brain or nerves (such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy), diabetes or Addison's disease, a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS or due to treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine, problems with the spleen (such as sickle cell disease) or if the spleen has been removed, a learning disability, or being very overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
