Winter vaccines

There are some things you can do to help yourself stay well in winter. This includes getting your winter vaccines.

Flu and COVID-19 winter vaccines

It's important to get your winter vaccines if you're eligible. Getting vaccinated every year will top up your protection and reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms.

Who should have the flu and COVID-19 vaccines?

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

The children's flu vaccine is recommended for:

children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2025 (born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2023)
school-aged children (Reception to Year 11)
children aged 6 months to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

You can get the winter COVID-19 vaccine if you:

are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2026)
are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
live in a care home for older adults