In partnership with
NHS England
Winter may feel like a long way off at the moment, however getting your flu vaccination this autumn is vital to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Often downplayed as a mere cold, flu can cause severe illness that leads to pneumonia and sepsis – potentially resulting in hospitalisation and death, particularly for those most at-risk. Those susceptible to the flu virus include pregnant women, children and babies under five, as well healthcare staff working in clinics and hospitals – which is why the NHS provides free flu vaccinations for these groups.
Below, we provide an overview of the most at-risk groups, dispel common myths surrounding the flu vaccine and hear from NHS doctors regarding the importance of protecting yourself from flu.
Don’t assume you are safe
Healthcare workers are three times more likely to get flu, and a common assumption is that only doctors and nurses need to worry about this greater risk of getting sick. However, if your job brings you into contact with patients in any capacity, you are entitled to a free flu vaccination – this includes estates and facilities staff, admin support staff and additional clinical staff.
“Vaccination protects healthcare staff, including admin and facilities staff who may be at higher risk of infection due to increased exposure at work,” shares Dr Tehseen Khan, GP at Spring Hill Practice and clinical advisor at the London Flu Vaccination Programme. “Vaccination also protects patients and colleagues, helping to reduce the risk of outbreaks within the workplace.
“By being vaccinated, every team member helps shield vulnerable patients who may not be able to receive vaccines themselves, and they support the uninterrupted operation of health and social care.
“Even those without direct patient contact can carry and transmit infections, so everyone’s participation is essential for a safer health environment.”
How to know if you are at-risk
If you are aged 65 years or older, or you have a serious long-term medical condition, it is recommended that you get a flu vaccination and you will likely have received a text from your GP surgery. However, there are individuals who may not realise that their status as carers or close family also provides them with the right to a free flu jab.
If you provide unpaid care, for example as a family member, close friend or neighbour, for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick – get your free vaccine to protect them from serious illness.
Pregnant women and children can have their free flu vaccination from 1st September 2025, whereas adults aged 65 years and over, people with long term medical conditions, as well as people with a weakened immune system and their close contacts can have their free flu vaccination from 1st October 2025.
A completely safe vaccine
Misinformation surrounding the flu jab is unfortunately circulating, so it’s vital to educate yourself on nature of the injected vaccine. It does not contain live viruses and cannot give you flu – some people may experience a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a few days afterwards.
This simply means that your immune system is working to protect your body against the latest strains of flu, and are very mild in comparison to the complication that can arise from getting flu. If you have any concerns regarding the flu vaccine, consult your local GP, pharmacy or a health professional for reliable advice.
"Flu vaccines are prepared each year with the aim to match the most common circulating flu viruses each winter season," explains Dr Oge Ilozue, GP partner and trainer at Brunswick Park Medical Practice.
"The flu jab is an inactive vaccine, so cannot give you flu, but the vaccine works by stimulating your own immune system, so if you are exposed to flu, it reduces the risk of infection."
You can book your free vaccination through your GP surgery or online at nhs.uk/wintervaccinations.
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