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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging certain vulnerable groups to receive an essential vaccination starting this month. This advice is particularly vital for pregnant women, children, individuals over 65, and various other groups.
In a recent announcement on X, the Government agency stated: “Booking is now open for your free NHS flu vaccination. Determine your eligibility and book online or through the NHS App for appointments available from 1 October.”
Flu vaccinations are designed to shield against influenza, which poses life-threatening risks to certain individuals. Each autumn and early winter, the NHS provides these immunisations to those at an increased risk of severe illness.
According to the UKHSA’s social media update, six main categories are eligible to schedule their flu shot starting 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
You can verify your eligibility for a flu vaccination using the NHS app. These immunisations are available at medical centres, select pharmacies, maternity units, and care facilities.
According to The Mirror, the NHS also mentions that healthcare and social care workers might receive vaccinations through their employers. A flu vaccine can be given alongside other vaccines, such as COVID-19 and shingles shots. Although it’s not commonly administered with the RSV vaccine, a GP may provide both if they find it necessary.
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.
