NHS urges certain Brits to book key vaccination from October 1 - how to get it

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has called upon certain at-risk groups to secure a crucial vaccination from October 1. Its guidance proves particularly important for those over 65 and individuals living with chronic health conditions, along with several other categories of people.

In a post shared on X earlier this month, the Government body stated: "Booking is now open for your free NHS flu vaccination. Check if you're eligible and book online or via the NHS App for appointments from 1 October."

Flu vaccinations are crafted to offer defence against influenza, which can become deadly for specific demographics. The NHS provides these injections to people who encounter an elevated risk of serious illness each autumn or early winter.

The UKHSA's social media statement detailed that six main groups were eligible to secure their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year, and an additional six qualify from October 1.

From September 1, this included:

Pregnant women

All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025

Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)

Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)

Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years

The following six groups can have flu vaccination appointments from October 1, 2025:

Everyone aged 65 years old and over

Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions

Care home residents

Carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person

Those living with people who are immunocompromised

Frontline health and social care workers

You can check your eligibility for a flu vaccination via the NHS app. These jabs are available at GP surgeries, selected chemists, maternity services, and care homes.

The NHS explains that healthcare or social care staff may also qualify to receive a vaccination at their workplace. You can have a flu jab at the same time as other vaccinations, including the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.

Whilst it's not usually administered alongside the RSV vaccine, the NHS states that a doctor may give both if they consider it necessary.

According to the Mirror, additional NHS advice suggests: "Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.

"You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy."

Typical side effects of the flu vaccination include soreness at the injection site, a slightly raised body temperature, and general aches.

These symptoms usually disappear within one to two days. It's vital to note that the flu jabs administered in the UK do not contain live flu viruses, hence they cannot cause the flu.

For more information, head to the NHS website.