The seasonal flu vaccination
Getting a flu vaccine is important. You will be contacted by your GP and/or workplace if you are eligible for a free flu vaccine during the 2023/24 winter season.
GPs and pharmacies still have appropriate infection control practices in place to make it safer for vulnerable people to come and get vaccinated.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
The flu vaccine for children is given free on the NHS to:
- children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2023 (born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2021)
- all primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
- some secondary school aged children
- children aged 2 to 17 years with long-term health conditions
Find out more about who should have the flu vaccine on the NHS website.
Talk to a GP, practice nurse or pharmacist for more information about vaccines.
Further information
You can find further information on seasonal flu – including common symptoms and treatment options – by visiting the NHS Flu web pages.
The following video explores why it is important for all our communities to consider the flu jab. It was filmed with help from the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership Group and features Shiren and Ade discussing topics such as whether the jab is safe, effective, and whether it is halal.