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Flu vaccines

Some people are eligible for a free flu vaccine:

  • pregnant women
  • children aged 2 to 11 years old
  • people aged 65 years or older
  • people who are in receipt of a carer's allowance, or who are the main carer of an older or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill
  • people with a long-term health condition such as:
    • heart problems
    • chest complaints or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema, or asthma (that requires an inhaled or tablet steroid treatment, or has led to hospital admission in the past)
    • kidney disease
    • lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
    • liver disease
    • previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
    • diabetes
    • neurological condition, for example multiple sclerosis (MS) or cerebral palsy
    • a learning disability
    • problems with your spleen, for example sickle cell disease, or you've had your spleen removed
    • are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above)
  • frontline health and social care workers

If you're eligible, you'll be contacted by your GP, or you'll get a letter from the NHS Immunisation Management System. But if you're eligible, you do not have to wait to be contacted before booking a vaccine.

You do not need to provide evidence that you're entitled to a free flu vaccine. But if you do get an invitation or reminder letter, you should bring it to your appointment if you can.

Need more information? You can find out more about the flu vaccine on the NHS website.