As we approach autumn, it's nearly time for people with certain long-term health conditions to be booked in for their free flu jab. Individuals with these conditions are at risk of more severe outcomes if they catch flu. If you're eligible, you need to know why it matters that you take up the offer.
Flu is far more than just a bad cold. For some, it can increase the risk of developing serious lung and airway infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia or can make existing conditions worse. Flu spreads easily and can lead to hospitalisation - in some cases, even death. The flu virus is constantly evolving, which is why getting vaccinated each year is vital.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year?
The NHS recommends flu vaccination for several groups:
From 1 September 2025
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- children with certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years)
- primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years
From 1 October 2025
- everyone aged 65 years and over
- individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- care home residents
- carers in receipt of carer's allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- those living with people who are immunocompromised
- frontline health and social care workers
The NHS website contains further information on eligibility, but if you're unsure whether you're able to have a free vaccination you can consult your GP, practice nurse, or pharmacist. If you’re pregnant you can also consult your midwife.
Flu can be particularly dangerous for certain groups, including pregnant women, young children, and those with certain long-term health conditions. The vaccines can’t be used to prevent flu in babies under 6 months, which is why it is so important that pregnant women have the vaccination. Women will pass on some immunity to their baby, protecting the child during the early months of their life. The flu vaccine can be given at any stage of your pregnancy, but it's best to get vaccinated as soon as you can.
How and when can I get a flu vaccination?
If you are eligible for a flu vaccination, the NHS will usually let you know when you can book an appointment. Speak to your GP practice if you have not been contacted, but think you are eligible.
The vaccination programme starts at different times for different groups. From 1 September 2025, pregnant women can receive the vaccine as the flu vaccine in pregnancy offers the baby some protection in the first few months of life. All eligible children can also receive a vaccination from 1 September as the protection from the flu vaccine lasts much longer in children, and earlier protection can help reduce transmission to the wider population. This includes those aged 2 and 3 years, primary and secondary school children, and children in clinical risk groups.
For most adults, appointments will be available from 1 October 2025. The vaccine is offered from October for these groups because flu typically peaks in December or January, and getting vaccinated from October will provide optimal protection during the highest risk period.
The best time to get your flu jab is in the autumn or early winter, before flu starts circulating widely. However, if you miss this window, it's still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season as we can see late flu activity.
How is the flu vaccine given?
For adults, the flu vaccine is administered as an injection. Children are typically offered a nasal spray, which is quick and painless. The vaccine is updated each year to combat the most prevalent strains of the virus, and protection from the vaccine also goes down with time, so even if you were vaccinated last year, it's essential to get a new jab for the 2025 season.
How safe is the flu vaccine and what are the side effects?
Flu vaccines have good safety records. While some people may experience mild side effects from the injection such as a sore arm or slight fever, these generally don't last long and are far less severe than flu itself. Side effects of the nasal vaccine may commonly include a runny or blocked nose, headache, tiredness and some loss of appetite.
As we enter the 2025/26 flu season, taking proactive steps to protect our health has never been more important. As well as providing individual protection, flu vaccination will help reduce hospitalisations and relieve some of the burden on the NHS this winter.