The NHS is urging certain at-risk groups to book a vital vaccination this month. Its message is particularly important for people born before a specific date, pregnant women, children, and others.
In a post to X yesterday, the health service said: “Almost 8 million people have already had their flu vaccine. Flu can be serious for those at high risk — like children, pregnant women, older adults and those with long-term conditions. If you’re eligible, book online or via your GP, pharmacy or NHS App.”
Flu jabs are designed to guard against influenza, which could prove fatal for certain people. The NHS provides these inoculations to people at heightened risk of severe health complications each autumn or early winter.
Based on an earlier post from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), six primary groups became eligible to arrange their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year. A further six categories were subsequently able to book from October 1.
From September 1, this included:
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
- Pregnant women
- All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
- Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
- Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
And from October 1, this encompassed:
- Care home residents
- Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
Older people who will reach 65 by March 31, 2026, are also entitled to the NHS flu jab this winter. This means they were born on or before March 31, 1961.
You can check your eligibility for a flu vaccination through the NHS app. These immunisations are available at GP practices, selected pharmacies, maternity services, and care facilities.
The NHS explains that health or social care staff might be entitled to receive their jab at their workplace. It is generally safe to receive the flu vaccination alongside other immunisations like the COVID-19 and shingles jabs.
Whilst the RSV vaccination is usually administered separately, the NHS clarifies that a doctor may give both vaccines if they deem it necessary. According to the Mirror, further NHS guidance adds: “Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.
“You only cannot have the vaccine if you’ve had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy.”
By 1 October, the NHS had sent out more than 12 million flu vaccination invitations via email, with further notifications sent through the NHS App, text messages, and letters during the month. However, eligible Brits can book their appointments without waiting for an invitation.
For more information, head to the NHS website.