Are you eligible for the flu vaccine this autumn? 2025
As summer draws to a close and the weather becomes colder, we tend to spend more time indoors, increasing the likelihood of viral infections such as the flu and common cold. To help protect the most vulnerable in our community, the NHS Winter Immunisation Programme is in place to offer protection.
The flu vaccine helps protect your immunity, as flu can potentially be serious or even a life-threatening illness. Each year, the vaccine is offered for free by the NHS during autumn or early winter to those at higher risk of getting seriously ill from the flu.
This year’s seasonal flu campaign will launch in two stages, and everyone eligible for the free vaccine is advised to book an appointment as soon as possible.
The vaccine is currently available for:
- pregnant women
- all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- 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 less than 18 years
From October 2025 the following people are eligible for the flu vaccine:
- those aged 65 years and over
- those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme
How to get the vaccine:
The NHS is sending out millions of invitations this month to remind eligible people to come forward as soon as they can, but you do not need to wait for an invitation to book.
Those eligible can book their vaccination here:
Who may be in the clinical risk group?
If you have one of the following condition you may be eligible for an NHS flu vaccine. If you are unsure contact your GP.
- Chronic respiratory disease - Including those with severe asthma, COPD and cystic fibrosis
- Chronic heart disease and vascular disease
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic neurological disease - Including those who have had a stroke, multiple sclerosis and Down syndrome
- Diabetes
- Immunosuppression
- Adults with a Body Mass Index of 40 or above
Further information
If you are still unsure if your are eligible for the vaccine or if the vaccine is right for you please contact you GP.
For more information about the Flu vaccine please take a look at the link below.
NHS Information on Flu vaccine
