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During the autumn months, it is a good idea for people with long-term health conditions who are at risk of becoming seriously ill if they get flu, to be vaccinated.
Contracting flu can lead to infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia which can end up in the person being hospitalised. In some cases, they can even die.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
The NHS is recommending that certain groups of people are vaccinated against flu.
From 1 September 2025
- Pregnant women
- Children who are aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025
- Children who have certain long-term health conditions (aged 6 months to less than 18 years)
- All primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- All secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children who are in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to under 18 years
From 1 October 2025
- All adults aged 65 years and over
- All people aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- All care home residents
- Carers who get Carer’s Allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- People living with those who are immunocompromised
- Health and social care workers working on the frontline
How can I get the flu vaccine?
If you are eligible for a flu vaccination, the NHS get in touch with you. If you think you are eligible and no one has contacted you, speak to your GP practice.
How is the flu vaccine administered?
Children are given the flu vaccine via a nasal spray. Most adults tend to be vaccinated through an injection.
What are the side effects?
Some people may have a sore arm where the injection was given or have a slight fever but these side effects do not last long.
Some children may get a runny or blocked nose as a result of the nasal spray. They may also experience a headache, tiredness and poor appetite.
Can I have the Covid booster vaccine and the flu jab at the same time?
If you are eligible for a flu jab, you may be able to have both the flu jab and the Covid booster jab at the same time.
If you prefer you can have the jabs separately at different times.