If it’s likely you’ll experience complications from flu, you may be eligible for a free flu jab.

Although for most of us the flu is merely an inconvenient illness which passes in a week, it can have more serious implications for some people. It can lead to complications, including bronchitis, pneumonia and even death. If you or someone you spend a lot of time with is at risk of complications from the flu virus, you may be eligible for a free flu jab from the NHS. 

Eligibility for the free flu jab may vary depending on where you live. We’ve included a rough guide of who is offered a free jab, but your GP or local pharmacist can offer advice suited to you.

All children who are 2 or 3 years old, in primary school or anywhere between the ages of 2 and 17 with a long-term health condition will be offered the nasal flu vaccine.

It’s highly recommended that all pregnant women have the flu jab, no matter how far along your pregnancy you are. As well as preventing flu, it can reduce your risk of miscarriage, your baby being born prematurely or being born with a low birthweight.

This will also help your baby stay protected from flu during the first few months of their life. You can read more about pregnancy and the flu vaccine here.

If you have any of the following long-term health conditions and live in England or Wales, you will be entitled to a free NHS flu jab:

• Chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma (if it has previously led to hospitalisation or steroid treatment), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema or bronchitis
• Chronic heart disease
• Chronic kidney or liver disease
• Chronic neurological conditions
• Diabetes
• Problems with your spleen
• A weakened immune system
• Being seriously overweight (with a BMI of 40 or more)

This list isn’t exhaustive. Your GP may suggest you have the free flu jab if you have another long-term condition that isn’t mentioned above but may be made worse by flu, or if you’re at risk of complications from flu. Your GP may also advise you have a free flu jab if you live with someone who has a weakened immune system.

If you care for or work with people who are likely to experience complications from flu, you will be offered a free flu jab from the NHS. You will be eligible if:

You receive a Carer’s Allowance

You are the main carer for someone elderly or disabled

You are a frontline health and social care worker

If this is not arranged by your employer, you should contact your GP or local pharmacy to arrange the vaccine.

You can get the flu jab from your GP or local community pharmacy. If you’re entitled to the free flu jab, you won’t be asked to pay in either location. It’s best that you get the flu jab early in the season so you’re fully protected by the time flu viruses start circulating.