The NHS has urged eligible people to come forward for their free flu and COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of winter, warning that millions could be missing out on protection if they do not realise they fall into an eligible group.
Who can get the free flu jab
Posting on Instagram, the health service said: "Eligible people can now come forward for their NHS flu and COVID-19 vaccinations ahead of winter. Flu vaccination is now available to more groups, including people aged 65+, adults in at-risk groups, care home residents and carers. COVID-19 vaccination is available to those at the highest risk."
The NHS recommends the flu vaccine for people at higher risk of serious illness from the virus. You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by March 31, 2027), are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions, are pregnant (the vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy), 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, or 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.
Health conditions that qualify
Certain health conditions also make people eligible for a free vaccine, including conditions that affect your breathing, heart conditions, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, some conditions that affect your brain or nerves (such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy), a learning disability, diabetes or Addison's disease, a weakened immune system due to a condition (such as HIV or AIDS) or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine, problems with your spleen (or if you've had your spleen removed), or being very overweight with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above.
More people will also be eligible for a free health boost this winter, including children. Checking your eligibility status online or with a medical professional could help avoid serious illness this winter.
How to book
The NHS website said: "Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It's important to get the flu vaccine if you're advised to."
You cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. Speak to your GP if you have a health condition and you're not sure if you're eligible for the flu vaccine.
If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App. Alternatively, find a pharmacy that offers free flu vaccination or contact your GP surgery to book an appointment.
