The flu usually peaks in December or January and getting vaccinated this month will ensure you’re healthy for Christmas
This year, there are 12 groups of people who can get the flu vaccine for free. And as winter approaches, people are being urged to take up the offer whether it’s for you or your child.
If you are eligible to receive a flu vaccination, the NHS will typically notify you when it’s time to book your appointment. This may be done through a letter, text message, or a phone call from your GP practice. However, if you think you’re eligible for the flu vaccine but have not yet been contacted, it’s important to get in touch with your GP surgery directly.
They can confirm your eligibility and help you arrange an appointment if needed. Don’t hesitate to follow up, especially if you fall into a high-risk category or have underlying health conditions that may make you more vulnerable to flu-related complications.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year?
The NHS recommends flu vaccination for several groups. However the vaccination programme starts at different times for different groups.
From September 1 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 October 1 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
Am I at risk?
Flu can pose a serious risk to certain groups including pregnant women, young children and people with specific long-term health conditions. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) stress that because babies under six months old are too young to receive the flu vaccine, it’s especially important for pregnant women to get vaccinated.
If you do, pregnant women can then pass on protective antibodies to their unborn child, offering immunity during the first few months after birth. The health experts state that the flu vaccine is safe to receive at any stage of pregnancy, however it’s recommended to get it as early as possible to ensure maximum protection for both the mum and baby.
Whilst getting vaccinated early is key with “the best time” for your flu jab being autumn or early winter, which is before the flu starts circulating widely, the UKHSA stresses: “If you miss this window, it’s still beneficial to get vaccinated later in the season as we can see late flu activity.”
How to book a free flu vaccine
You can book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy here via the NHS website. You can also call 119 for free if you want to book over the phone if you cannot book online.
You can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service if you have difficulties communicating or hearing, or if you are a BSL user. Alternatively, you can find a pharmacy that offers walk-in appointments that you don’t need to book.