Eligible patients

Those with certain long-term conditions should have a flu jab annually. Some health conditions make people more vulnerable to becoming seriously ill if they develop flu. This is why the Department of Health advises the following groups to have a flu jab in the 2025/2026 season:

• pregnant women
• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• 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
• Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

It's recommended for:

• children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023)
• children aged 4 years who have not started school yet
• school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
• children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

If your child is 17 years old and over, and does not have a long-term health condition, they are not eligible for the flu vaccine.

To find out more information on the flu vaccine, click here or for more information on Children's flu vaccine click here

If you are unsure whether you should have a flu jab, contact your GP surgery or ask your local pharmacy team for advice.