Flu vaccination programme

Get the flu vaccination, stay well and protect the NHS. Look out for updates from your local GP or NHS team and book your vaccination as soon as it is available at your local GP.

Patients who are over 65, or who have certain medical conditions will be invited first for their vaccine.

Please help the NHS to vaccinate those most at risk first. If you are not in this list of higher risk patients, please wait until you are contacted about receiving your free flu vaccination.

Who is eligible to receive the free flu vaccine this winter?

  • Pregnant women
  • Children aged 2- 11
  • Member of a shielding household
  • Those aged 65 and over
  • Frontline health and social care workers
  • Those with a long-term health condition (LTHC) such as:
    • A heart problem
    • A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including bronchitis, emphysema or severe asthma
    • A kidney disease
    • Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (such as steroid medication or cancer treatment)
    • Liver disease
    • Had a stroke or a transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
    • Diabetes
    • A neurological condition, eg multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy
    • A learning disability
    • A problem with your spleen, eg sickle cell disease, or you have had your spleen removed
    • Are seriously overweight (BMI of 40 and above).

Following those most at risk, the second phase of the campaign will target 50-64-year olds (who do not have any of the above-mentioned health conditions). This will take place later in the year, once the first group have been vaccinated.

More information

For more information read the Public Health England guidance: Flu vaccination: who should have it this winter and why.