Find out if you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination

Who can get a free flu jab in 2026 to 2027?

You're likely to be offered a free flu vaccine if you're:

• gravid

• aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026, or a school-aged child from reception to year 11

• aged 6 months to under 18 with a long-term health condition

• aged 17 or over, attending a special educational needs (SEN) school, and you have a long-term health condition

• aged 65 or over

• aged 18 to under 65 with a long-term health condition

• living in a long-stay residential care home

• a carer — for example, if you get Carer's Allowance or you're the main carer of an older or disabled person

• living with, or a close contact of, someone with a weakened immune system

• aged 16 or over and sleeping rough, or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter

• a frontline social care worker without access to a workplace vaccination scheme

Long-term health conditions that qualify are as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter. If you're not sure whether yours counts, ask your GP surgery, pharmacist or specialist.

When can I get my flu vaccine?

Most groups can get their vaccine from 1 September 2026. People aged 65 or over, most adults with a health condition, carers and a few other groups are offered theirs from 1 October 2026 - this is when flu rates usually start to rise. The checker above shows the exact date for you.

How do I book a free flu jab?

Book through your GP surgery, a participating pharmacy, or the NHS App. School-aged children are usually vaccinated at school, or at their GP surgery if they miss it. If you're not eligible for a free vaccine, you can usually pay for one at a pharmacy.