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Eligibility for the flu vaccine - Flu vaccine eligibility for children and young people

Which children can have a free flu vaccine?

All children from the age of two can have a free flu vaccine in 2024/25. This includes: 

  • All children who are aged two or three on 31 August 2024 
  • All children in primary school 
  • All children in secondary school years 7 to 11 
  • Children who do not attend school are also eligible for the flu vaccine through their GP surgery. 

Also, children aged six months or over who have any of the long-term health conditions that puts them at increased risk from flu. 

Why do children and some young people need a flu vaccine?

Flu is caused by viruses and spreads easily. Anyone can get flu, but children have the highest rate of infection and flu can be serious for them. 

Complications can include bronchitis, pneumonia (lung infections) and ear infections. 

Some children get so ill they need to go into hospital. 

What if my child has a health condition?

If your child is aged six months or older and has one of the following health conditions, it is important they have a flu vaccine every year as they are at increased risk of complications from flu. 

Conditions include: 

  • Diabetes 
  • A heart problem 
  • A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma that requires regular steroid inhalers or tablets 
  • Kidney disease (from stage 3) 
  • Lowered immunity due to disease or treatment (and also close contacts of people in this group) 
  • Liver disease 
  • Had a stroke or mini stroke 
  • A neurological condition 
  • A missing spleen or a problem with it 
  • A learning disability 
  • Severe mental illness 
  • Young people over 16 (age on 1 September 2024) with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above 
  • Epilepsy 
  • Children and young people in Wales who are homeless are also eligible for flu vaccination. 

Children in these groups may get their vaccine at their school if they are in school years reception to year 11, or at their GP surgery. 

Young carers

It is extra important for children and young people who care for someone who is vulnerable to flu and its complications either because of a long-term health condition or their age, to have a flu vaccine every year. It helps protect them and the person they care for. 

Are there children and young people who shouldn’t have the nasal spray?

The nasal spray vaccine shouldn’t be given to anyone who is: 

  • under two years old; 
  • 18 years of age or older; 
  • pregnant; 
  • on long-term aspirin (salicylate) treatment; 
  • taking high dose steroid tablets (currently, or in the last two weeks); or 
  • in close contact with someone who has a severely weakened immune system (for example, after a bone marrow transplant) and is being looked after in a protected environment. 

Your health professional will make an assessment before giving the vaccine.

The nasal spray vaccine can’t be given to anyone who has: 

  • had a severe life-threatening allergic reaction to a flu vaccine (or any ingredient in the vaccine); 
  • a weakened immune system; 
  • a wheezy chest on the day of the vaccination or in the previous three days; 
  • increased the use of their asthma inhalers in the previous three days. 

A flu vaccine injection is available for children and young people who can’t have the nasal spray vaccine, from their GP surgery, 

Children and young people with asthma who need regular oral steroids or have needed intensive-care treatment for their asthma in the past, should be referred to a specialist for advice to receive the nasal spray vaccine. They may be offered a flu vaccine injection instead. 

A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay a flu vaccination. If your child is unwell with a high temperature, it is best to delay their vaccination until they are feeling better 

If your child cannot avoid contact with someone who has very severely weakened immunity, such as someone who has recently had a bone marrow transplant, you should discuss this with your doctor or nurse before your child has the nasal spray vaccine. They may decide to offer your child a flu vaccine injection instead. 

Can my child have the vaccine if they are allergic to egg?

Most children and young people who are allergic to egg can receive the nasal spray vaccine with no problems. The small number of individuals who have previously needed intensive-care treatment for anaphylaxis (a rare, life-threatening allergic reaction) to egg should be referred to a specialist. Egg free flu vaccine injections are available. 

Does the nasal spray vaccine contain gelatine?

Yes, it contains traces of highly purified porcine gelatine which is also used in a range of essential medicines. 

The nasal spray vaccine is the best flu vaccine for children and young people, but flu injections are gelatine-free so if you would prefer your child had this as an alternative contact their GP surgery so they don’t miss out. 

There is more information about porcine gelatin in the leaflet on vaccines and porcine gelatin.





 

Page last reviewed: 1st July 2025