The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has encouraged certain vulnerable groups to secure a vital vaccination from this month. The guidance proves especially critical for expectant mothers, children, and anyone aged over 65, alongside various other demographics.
In a message posted to X this month, the Government agency said: “Booking is now open for your free NHS flu vaccination. Check if you’re eligible and book online or via the NHS App for appointments from 1 October.”
Flu jabs are created to provide protection against influenza, which poses potentially fatal risks to specific populations. Every autumn or early winter period, the NHS delivers these immunisations to people facing a heightened danger of severe complications.
Based on the UKHSA’s social media announcement, six primary categories qualify to reserve their flu vaccination from September 1 this year. These include the following:
- 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 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)
Meanwhile, the following six groups may schedule flu vaccination appointments from October 1, 2025:
- 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
Whether you’re eligible for a flu jab can be checked using the NHS app. You can also get these vaccinations at medical centres, some chemists, maternity units, and care homes.
As reported by the Mirror, the NHS also states that healthcare and social care professionals may receive vaccinations through their workplace. A flu vaccine can be administered simultaneously with other immunisations, including COVID-19 and shingles jabs. Whilst it’s not typically given alongside the RSV jab, the NHS states that a GP might administer both if they deem it essential.
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.”
Typical side effects of the flu jab include soreness at the injection site, a slightly raised body temperature, and general aches, which usually resolve within a day or two. It is crucial to understand that the injected flu vaccines in the UK do not contain live influenza viruses, so they cannot cause the flu.
For more information, head to the NHS website.