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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has urged specific at-risk groups to obtain a key vaccination starting October 1. This advice is especially relevant for those over 65, individuals with chronic health conditions, and other identified categories.
In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Government body announced: “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 beginning from 1 October.”
Flu vaccinations are designed to protect against influenza, which can be fatal for certain groups. The NHS offers these shots to individuals who are at a higher risk of severe illness each autumn or early winter.
The UKHSA’s social media update mentioned that six primary groups were eligible to receive their flu vaccinations starting September 1 this year, with an additional six qualifying from October 1.
From September 1, this included:
- 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)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
The following six groups can have flu vaccination appointments from October 1, 2025:
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
- 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
You can verify your eligibility for a flu vaccination through the NHS app. These shots are offered at GP surgeries, selected chemists, maternity services, and care homes.
The NHS states that healthcare or social care staff might also be eligible for vaccination at their workplace. Flu jabs can be administered simultaneously with other vaccines, including the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
Whilst it’s not usually administered alongside the RSV vaccine, the NHS states that a doctor may give both if they consider it necessary.
According to the Mirror, additional NHS advice suggests: “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 vaccination include soreness at the injection site, a slightly raised body temperature, and general aches.
These symptoms usually disappear within one to two days. It’s vital to note that the flu jabs administered in the UK do not contain live flu viruses, hence they cannot cause the flu.
For more information, head to the NHS website.
