Annual Flu Programme
Who should have a flu vaccine?
Flu vaccination is recommended for those who are most at risk of serious complications if they get flu. For adults this includes everyone aged 65 years and over, pregnant women, and those with certain long-term health conditions. Flu can be a serious illness in these people and the vaccine offers the best protection.
Why do I have to wait until October for my flu vaccine?
This year most eligible adults will be offered a flu vaccine from early October, which might be slightly later than in previous years. This is because the latest scientific evidence shows that protection from the flu vaccine decreases over time in adults. It is better to have the vaccine closer to when flu typically circulates.
When should pregnant women get vaccinated?
Pregnant women should have the vaccine from September. This is because the protection from the vaccine is passed through the placenta to the baby, giving the baby protection for the first few months of life when they are particularly at risk from flu. Therefore, pregnant women shouldn’t delay vaccination, especially those who are heavily pregnant, as babies born during the flu season need to be protected against flu as well the pregnant woman herself.
When should children get vaccinated?
Vaccination for children who are offered a flu vaccine on the NHS will also start from September because their protection from the vaccine doesn’t decrease as quickly as it does in adults.
Are there any other exceptions?
There will be a very small number of people who need to be vaccinated earlier than October. For instance, if someone is about to start chemotherapy in October, it is better for them to have the vaccine before they start their treatment. This is because they will respond better to the vaccine before their immune system becomes weaker.
You should speak to your GP if you think you need to have the vaccine earlier than October and they will decide whether it is appropriate.
When do I need to get my vaccination by?
Flu typically starts to circulate in December so it’s best that you get the vaccine by the end of November as it takes up to 14 days to work. But even if it’s later than November, it is still worth asking whether you can have a flu vaccine. The following groups are to be offered flu vaccination in line with the announced and authorised cohorts (see timings section):
From 1 September 2024:
- -pregnant women
- -all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2024
- -primary school aged children (from Reception to Year 6)
- -secondary school aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- -all children in clinical risk groups aged from 6 months to less than 18 years
From October 2024, exact start date to be confirmed by NHS England in due course:
-frontline workers in a social care setting without an employer led occupational health scheme including those working for a registered residential care or nursing home, registered domiciliary care providers, voluntary managed hospice providers and those that are employed by those who receive direct payments (personal budgets) or Personal Health budgets, such as Personal Assistants
-those aged 65 years and over
-those aged 18 years to under 65 years in clinical risk groups (as defined by the Green Book, Influenza Chapter 19)
-those in long-stay residential care homes
-carers in receipt of carer’s allowance, or those who are the main carer of an elderly or disabled person
-close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
What should I do now?
For eligible adults, ask your GP practice or a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination when you can book an appointment. You should be able to do this ahead of time. If you are pregnant, you can also ask your midwife.
