Flu vaccination

Boost your immunity in time for flu season, find out if you're eligible for a free flu jab, and places to get the vaccine.

Places to get the vaccine

If you're over 18 and registered with a GP surgery, you can get a free flu vaccine at:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy offering the service
  • your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
  • a hospital appointment

Check eligibility and find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine

Why it's important

For most healthy people, flu (also called Influenza) is an unpleasant illness which often gets better on its own. However, some people have a higher risk of severe illness or mortality.

We encourage you to get a free flu vaccine if you:

  • are 65 and over
  • have any other illnesses
  • 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 infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
  • frontline health or social care workers

The best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting a flu vaccine. The vaccine is modified each year so it's able to protect against new variants of the virus that may have developed since the previous flu season.

Check eligibility and find a pharmacy offering the flu vaccine

Flu vaccination for children