A national charity is urging unpaid carers to receive their free flu vaccination this winter. Millions of people across Britain qualify for the NHS jab, including those who provide the main care for an older or disabled person.
Carers UK is highlighting Government guidance to encourage more unpaid carers to protect themselves against flu as the colder months approach. The charity said uptake among carers aged 16 to 64 who were not themselves in a clinical risk group stood at just 31.3% during the 2025–2026 flu season—fewer than 260,000 people.
People aged 65 and over are already eligible for a free vaccination. However, Carers UK said unpaid carers who “struggle to look after their own health and wellbeing” while managing their responsibilities “may feel unable to prioritise their own appointments”.
Research by the charity found that 40% of carers had cancelled a medical appointment, test, scan, treatment or therapy because of their caring duties. It also warned that “many more” unpaid carers may miss out on the flu jab because they have not formally identified themselves as carers or told their GP about their role.
Emily Holzhausen, director of policy and public affairs at Carers UK, urged unpaid carers to get vaccinated. She said: “A free NHS flu jab is an important way to protect yourself and your family this winter, but many people providing unpaid care do not think of themselves as carers. They may be unaware that they qualify for a free flu jab and could be missing out.
“We can all help people recognise that they are unpaid carers. Clear and consistent public messaging is needed to ensure information about free flu jab eligibility reaches those who need it. GP practices also have an important role to play by proactively identifying unpaid carers and encouraging them to arrange their vaccination.”
Unpaid carers are among several groups eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.
The full list of people who can receive an NHS flu vaccine includes:
People aged 18 to 64 with certain long-term health conditions
Main carers for an older or disabled person, or people who receive Carer’s Allowance
People who live with someone who has a weakened immune system
People aged 16 or over who are sleeping rough or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can receive a flu vaccination through their employer. The NHS recommends the jab for people who face a higher risk of becoming seriously ill with flu.
