Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations
Protecting yourself and others from flu and COVID-19 is especially important over the winter months. Vaccinations are the best way to reduce your risk of becoming seriously unwell and to help protect those around you.
Both vaccines are offered every year by the NHS. Some patients may be eligible for both the flu vaccine and the winter COVID-19 vaccine.
Who should have the flu vaccine?
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- Are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
- Have certain long-term health conditions (such as diabetes, heart disease, or lung conditions)
- Are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- Live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- Work in frontline health or social care (vaccines may be arranged through your employer)
Who should have the winter COVID-19 vaccine?
You can get the free NHS winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- Are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
- Are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system due to a health condition or treatment
- Live in a care home for older adults
Why get vaccinated?
Protection from previous vaccines can fade over time, so it’s important to keep up to date each year.
Vaccines provide the best protection against becoming seriously unwell with flu or COVID-19.
They help reduce the risk of spreading infections to others.