Flu Vaccinations 2024/25

Seasonal flu is a highly infectious illness caused by a flu virus. The virus infects your lungs and upper airways, causing a sudden high temperature and general aches and pains. You could also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a dry cough. Symptoms can last for up to a week.

You may be invited for a flu jab if you:

  • are 65 years of age or over
  • are pregnant
  • have certain medical conditions
  • live in a care home
  • are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
  • live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Or have a serious long-term health condition, including:

  • conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis
  • heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
  • chronic kidney disease
  • liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
  • some conditions that affect your brain or nerves, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy
  • diabetes or Addison’s disease
  • a weakened immune system due to a condition such as HIV or AIDS, or due to a treatment such as chemotherapy or steroid medicine
  • problems with your spleen, such as sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
  • a learning disability
  • being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above

Speak to your GP surgery or specialist if you have a health condition and you’re not sure if you’re eligible for the flu vaccine.

Frontline health and social care workers can also get the flu vaccine through their employer.

When you should have the flu vaccine

Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.

This may be later than you have had the vaccine before, but it means you will have the best protection when flu is most widespread.

Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024, including if:

  • you are pregnant (especially if you are near to your due date) – it is important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
  • you are due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger

Speak to your GP for advice if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October.

How to get the flu vaccine

If you are eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can get your vaccine from your GP Practice; please contact us to book your appointment.

Speak to your GP practice if you have not been contacted, but you think you are eligible.

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