Who Can Get a Free NHS Flu Vaccine?
Every year, the NHS offers free flu vaccinations to people who are more likely to get seriously ill if they catch the flu. If you fall into one of the groups below, you can get your flu jab for free at your GP surgery or participating community pharmacies like ours.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and those around you.
You can get a free NHS flu vaccine if you are:
✅ Older adults
- Aged 65 years and over (including anyone who will turn 65 by 31 March 2026).
✅ Adults with long-term health conditions (aged 18–64)
People with certain health conditions are at higher risk from flu. You may qualify if you have:
- Chronic respiratory disease – e.g. asthma needing regular steroids, COPD, bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis.
- Chronic heart disease – e.g. heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, congenital heart conditions.
- Chronic kidney disease – stages 3–5, kidney failure, transplant, or nephrotic syndrome.
- Chronic liver disease – e.g. cirrhosis, chronic hepatitis.
- Chronic neurological conditions – e.g. stroke, TIA, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease, dementia.
- Diabetes – type 1, type 2 or diet-controlled.
- Adrenal insufficiency – e.g. Addison’s disease.
- Immunosuppression – due to illness or treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, transplant, long-term steroids, certain immune conditions).
- Asplenia or splenic dysfunction – e.g. sickle cell disease, coeliac disease.
- Morbid obesity – BMI of 40 or more.
✅ Pregnant women
- At any stage of pregnancy (first, second, or third trimester).
✅ People living in long-stay care facilities
- Residents of care homes or other long-stay care settings.
✅ Carers
- People receiving a carer’s allowance.
- Main carers of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare would be at risk if the carer became unwell.
✅ Household contacts of immunosuppressed people
- If you live with someone who is immunosuppressed and have close day-to-day contact.
✅ Certain frontline workers without occupational health cover
- Social care staff, hospice workers, or carers employed through direct payments/personal health budgets, who provide close care to vulnerable people.
Why it matters
Flu can be very serious for people at higher risk. Getting the flu jab not only protects you, but also helps protect your family, friends, and community.
Book your free NHS flu vaccination with us today – simply speak to our pharmacy team or book online.
