4 September 2025

Flu season has returned but so has your chance to protect yourself, your family, and those around you.

Last winter in England, flu sadly claimed around 8,000 lives. Yet vaccination made a huge difference, preventing up to 120,000 hospitalisations. That’s the life-saving power of a simple flu jab.

 

Why get vaccinated?

  • Protect yourself – reduce your chances of catching flu and becoming seriously unwell.

  • Protect others – even if you’re healthy, you can still pass flu on to vulnerable people.

  • Protect services – vaccination helps keep hospitals, GP practices, and essential services running smoothly through the busy winter months.

The flu jab is safe, effective, and quick. Most people only experience mild side effects, such as a sore arm for a day.

 

Who’s eligible and when?

The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

  • 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.

 

How to get the flu vaccine

Most eligible people can get the flu vaccine from 1 October 2025.

Some people, including anyone who is pregnant, can get vaccinated from 1 September 2025.

You may be able to get a flu vaccine from:

  • your GP surgery
  • a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination
  • your maternity service (if you're pregnant)
  • your care home (if you live in a care home)
  • your employer (if you're a health or social care worker)

 

Book online now

If you're aged 18 or over, you can book a flu vaccination appointment at a pharmacy online or in the NHS App now.

Vaccination appointments will take place from 1 October 2025.

 

For CNWL staff

Pregnant or immune-compromised staff can book the early flu vaccination between 11–30 September 2025.

 

All other staff

Vaccinations start from 6 October 2025 via the flu team. Look out for updates on drop-in sessions and clinics near you.

 

Flu jab myths: busted!

“I’m healthy, so I don’t need the vaccine”
Even if you feel well, you can still catch and spread flu. Vaccination helps protect the most vulnerable around you.

“The vaccine made me ill last time”
The flu jab cannot give you flu. Temporary side effects like a sore arm or mild fever are normal and short-lived.

“I’ve had COVID vaccines, so I’m protected”
COVID-19 and flu are caused by different viruses. You need a flu vaccine every year for protection.

 

For more info on the Flu jab visit the NHS website or contact your GP.

💉 This winter, do your part: roll up your sleeve, get vaccinated, and protect your community.