Find out if you are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccination
Peer reviewed by Patient infomatics teamOriginally published 25 Oct 2026
Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines
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Is the flu vaccine free for you this winter?
The flu vaccine is free on the NHS for people most likely to get seriously ill from flu, and for those who could easily pass it on to someone at risk. Whether you qualify depends on your age, your health, and a few other things such as being pregnant or caring for someone.
The groups change a little each year, and some people can book earlier than others. For the 2026 to 2027 season, most people who are offered a free flu vaccine can get it from either 1 September 2026 or 1 October 2026.
Use the free checker above to find out in under a minute whether you, or a child you look after, can get a free NHS flu vaccine this winter — and the date you can book from.
Who can get a free flu jab in 2026 to 2027?
You're likely to be offered a free flu vaccine if you're:
pregnant
aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2026, or a school-aged child from reception to year 11
aged 6 months to under 18 with a long-term health condition
aged 17 or over, attending a special educational needs (SEN) school, and you have a long-term health condition
aged 65 or over
aged 18 to under 65 with a long-term health condition
living in a long-stay residential care home
a carer — for example, if you get Carer's Allowance or you're the main carer of an older or disabled person
living with, or a close contact of, someone with a weakened immune system
aged 16 or over and sleeping rough, or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
a frontline social care worker without access to a workplace vaccination scheme
Long-term health conditions that qualify are as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter. If you're not sure whether yours counts, ask your GP surgery, pharmacist or specialist.
When can I get my flu vaccine?
Most groups can get their vaccine from 1 September 2026. People aged 65 or over, most adults with a health condition, carers and a few other groups are offered theirs from 1 October 2026 - this is when flu rates usually start to rise. The checker above shows the exact date for you.
How do I book a free flu jab?
Book through your GP surgery, a participating pharmacy, or the NHS App. School-aged children are usually vaccinated at school, or at their GP surgery if they miss it. If you're not eligible for a free vaccine, you can usually pay for one at a pharmacy.
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The Patient.info Informatics Team ensures our medical content and tools are accurate, evidence-based, and aligned with trusted NHS and NICE guidance.
Article history
Article also available in English, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Hindi, Hebrew, Arabic, and Swedish.
Next review due: 25 Oct 2026
25 Oct 2026 | Originally published
Peer reviewed by
Patient infomatics team
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