Are you eligible for a free flu jab?

The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine, which is offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from the flu. The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before the flu starts spreading. 

More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This year, the free flu jab is available to:

• All children aged 2 and 3 on 31 August 2021
• All children in primary school and all children in school years 7 to 11 in secondary school
• Those aged 6 months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups
• Pregnant women
• Those aged 50 years and over
• Unpaid carers
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Frontline health and adult social care staff

Why is it important to have the flu vaccine?

• More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
• If you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
• Getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses

Where to get the flu vaccine

You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:

• Your GP surgery
• A pharmacy offering the service
• Your midwifery service if you're pregnant
• A hospital appointment

It's safe to have your flu jab & COVID-19 booster jab at the same time. 

To find out more about the flu vaccine, click here.