For everyone aged 6 months and over. Free on the NHS for over-65s, pregnant women, carers, care home residents and people with long-term conditions.
Last reviewed 12 September 2026UK Green Book ch. 19Non-live vaccine
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Autumn 2026 season
The NHS 2026/27 programme starts on 1 September for children and pregnant women and 1 October for adults; private flu vaccines are available from September. Protection takes about two weeks to build, so booking before flu starts circulating in late autumn gives the best cover.
Who can have it
Eligibility by age, on the NHS and privately
The flu vaccine is updated every year to match the strains expected to circulate. Anyone from 6 months old can have it. The NHS offers it free to people at higher risk of complications; everyone else can pay for it privately at a pharmacy or clinic, usually from September.
Check what applies to you
Pick your age range and gender to see only the criteria for your group. Nothing you select is saved or sent anywhere.
Age
Privately (pharmacy or clinic)
On the NHS
Under 2 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Licensed from 6 months; private clinics rarely vaccinate under-2s, so this is usually via the GP
On the NHSFree for some
Free from 6 months if your child is in a clinical risk group (for example asthma needing regular steroids, heart, kidney or liver disease, or a weakened immune system).
2 to 17 years
PrivatelyRestrictions apply
Nasal spray licensed from age 2; some pharmacies and clinics vaccinate children privately, with minimum ages set by each provider
On the NHSFree for some
Free for all children aged 2 and 3 (nasal spray via the GP), all primary and secondary school pupils (school programme), and any child in a clinical risk group.
18 to 49 years
Privately✓Available
Available at pharmacies and clinics
On the NHSFree for some
Free from 1 October if you are pregnant, in a clinical risk group, a carer, a frontline social care worker, live in a care home, are experiencing homelessness, or live with someone who has a weakened immune system. Otherwise pay privately.
50 to 64 years
Privately✓Available
Available at pharmacies and clinics
On the NHSFree for some
Same NHS groups as 18 to 49. The blanket free offer for 50 to 64 year olds ended after the 2022/23 season, so most people in this band pay privately.
65 and over
Privately✓Available
Available at pharmacies and clinics
On the NHSFree for everyone
Free for everyone aged 65 and over, including anyone who turns 65 by 31 March 2027. Some practices use a higher-dose or adjuvanted vaccine for this age group.
Latest figures
How much flu is about right now
Live from official surveillance. Refreshed every few hours.
3.7%
→ Steady
Flu tests coming back positive
Steady week on week · to 14 Sept 2026
England · UKHSA data dashboard
Sources: UKHSA data dashboard.Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.Figures describe disease activity and vaccine uptake, not your eligibility.
Recommended for
Adults aged 65 and over
Anyone with a long-term condition such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart, kidney or liver disease
Pregnant women, at any stage
Carers and frontline health and social care workers
Anyone who simply wants to avoid flu this winter (privately)
Who should not have it
A previous serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a flu vaccine or one of its ingredients
Egg allergy is no longer a reason to avoid any flu vaccine used in the UK (JCVI advice), so do not rule yourself out
The nasal spray (children) is not given to those with a severely weakened immune system, severe asthma, or who are pregnant
If you have a fever on the day, the vaccine is usually postponed until you are well
Always tell the clinician about allergies, medicines, health conditions and recent vaccines. They will confirm the vaccine is right for you before giving it.
About the vaccine
What it protects against, how long it lasts and side effects
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Protects against
Seasonal influenza — a highly contagious respiratory illness causing fever, aching muscles, and fatigue. Strains vary each year.
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When to have it
Ideally October–November, before flu season peaks
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How long it lasts
1 flu season — annual vaccination recommended as strains change each year
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Doses
Single dose
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Side effects
Sore arm, mild headache, low-grade fever, or fatigue for 1–2 days. Serious reactions are very rare.
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Good to know
The NHS offers the flu jab free to eligible groups. Private vaccination is available to anyone wishing to protect themselves.
Common questions
Flu (influenza) vaccine: your questions answered
Can I have a flu jab privately if I am not eligible on the NHS?
Yes. Adults can pay for a flu vaccine privately at pharmacies and clinics, and some providers also vaccinate children. VaxiGo lists clinics and pharmacies offering it so you can compare prices and book online.
When is the best time to get the flu vaccine?
In the UK the season runs from October to March. Vaccination in September or October is ideal because protection takes around two weeks to develop, but it is still worthwhile later in the winter.
How long does the flu vaccine last?
About one flu season. Protection wanes over the following months and the circulating strains change, so a new vaccine is needed every year.
Can I have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes. They are routinely given at the same appointment, one in each arm. A clinician will confirm what is appropriate for you.
Can I have the flu vaccine if I am allergic to eggs?
Yes. The JCVI now advises that egg allergy, including a history of anaphylaxis to egg, is no longer a reason to avoid any flu vaccine used in the UK. Tell the clinician about your allergy when you book so they can note it.
Ready to book?
Compare Flu Jab prices near you
GPhC-registered pharmacies and travel clinics. The clinician confirms suitability at your appointment.
General information only. This page sets out the published UK eligibility criteria so you can see which apply to you. It is not medical advice and VaxiGo does not assess your suitability for any vaccine. The clinician at your appointment makes that decision with you.