The flu vaccination season usually runs from 01 September to 31 March. It is not possible to deliver flu immunisations outside of this time period.

The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. It's offered every year to patients aged over 65 and those in clinical at risk groups to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.  For further information about the flu vaccine, please see the below.

The Flu vaccine and coronavirus (COVID-19)

Flu vaccination is important because:

• More people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
• iI you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
  getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses
• If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu. NHS England recommend that patients receive their covid and flu vaccinations from 7 October this year (and from 2 October if in a care home or housebound). 

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:

• have certain health conditions
• are pregnant
• are in long-stay residential care
• receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
• live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
• frontline health or social care workers

Flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions

The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to anyone with a serious long-term health condition, including:

• respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
• diabetes
• heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
• being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
• chronic kidney disease
• liver disease, such as hepatitis
• neurological conditions, such as Parkinson's disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
• a learning disability
• problems with your spleen, for example, sickle cell disease, or if you have had your spleen removed
• a weakened immune system as the result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy

Flu vaccine if you're pregnant

It's safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy.

For further information about the flu vaccine, please click here