NHS England has urged eligible people to take up the free vaccination as cases of flu continue to rise
A variety of people can receive a vaccine(Image: Getty Images)
A range of people could qualify for a complimentary flu vaccination after the NHS warned that cases are surging ‘earlier than usual’.
The NHS routinely offers flu jabs each year during autumn and early winter, as this period typically sees the virus spike. While flu is usually not fatal for most individuals and symptoms generally resolve themselves within several weeks, certain people may face a heightened risk of complications and need extra protection.
This is because some individuals have an elevated risk of falling seriously ill should they catch the influenza virus. To make the vaccine more readily available to those who require it and to minimise the chance of severe complications, the flu jab is provided at no cost to specific groups.
Posting on X, NHS England stated: “Flu cases have hit earlier than usual and are already three times higher than this time last year – with infections rising fastest among children. NHS teams have delivered 12.2 million flu vaccines so far to protect those most at risk.”
A vaccine can be provided free of charge for some groups of people(Image: Getty Images)
How the flu jab works
The flu vaccination helps shield your body from serious influenza virus infections by assisting in training your immune system to identify the virus and fight it without prior infection.
The jab achieves this by delivering a small quantity of an inactive flu virus into your system, which helps trigger the immune response. After getting the jab, it takes roughly 10 days for it to kick in and offer proper protection.
It is vital to note that while the jab does introduce an inactive flu virus into your system, it can’t actually give you the flu. Typically, you only need one dose of the jab each year.
Who is eligible for the free flu jab?
The flu jab can provide extra protection this winter(Image: Getty Images)
According to NHS guidelines, there are six different categories of people who can receive the flu jab free of charge. You may qualify for the jab if you require additional protection or if someone in your household does.
This can include people who are:
- Aged 65 or over and those who will turn 65 by March 31, 2026
- Living with someone who has a weakened immune system (such as someone undergoing chemotherapy)
- Are the main carer for an older or disabled person or receiving carer’s allowance
- Have certain long-term health conditions
- Living in a care home
- Are pregnant
How to get the flu vaccine for free
If you are eligible for a free flu vaccine, there are a number of ways you can claim it. For example, you can directly contact your GP to book an appointment to receive the vaccine or you can book an appointment at a pharmacy either online or through the NHS app as long as you’re aged 18 or over.
Some pharmacies also offer the NHS vaccine for free and allow you to walk in and receive it without needing to book an appointment beforehand.
However, not all pharmacies will offer this service, but you can find your nearest pharmacy providing the free vaccine here. Further details on the flu vaccine, including the ingredients included, can be found on the NHS website here.
