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Eligibility for the flu vaccine - Flu vaccine eligibility for adults

Flu vaccine and pregnancy

he flu vaccine is safe during all stages of pregnancy. 

If someone who is pregnant gets flu, their baby is more likely to be born early, have a low birthweight, be stillborn or die within their first week. The vaccine also helps protect the baby in the first four to six months of life, when flu can be very serious. 

You should have the flu vaccine as soon as you know you are pregnant (if the vaccine is available). You can have it at the same time as the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, whooping cough vaccine, and COVID-19 vaccine if needed, but don’t delay your flu vaccine simply so you can have other vaccines at the same time. 

If you are pregnant, you can get your flu vaccine at your general practice, or via a community pharmacy. In some areas of Wales, midwives can give flu vaccines. 

The flu vaccine is recommended every time you are pregnant, even if you have had the vaccine before. 

Getting vaccinated each flu season protects you against new strains of the virus and reduces the risk of spreading flu to your baby. The immunity you get from the vaccine will pass to your baby through the placenta. The placenta is on the inside of your womb and links your blood supply with your unborn baby. 

In winter, thousands of people will die from flu-related illnesses in the UK. Having a flu vaccine every year is one of the best ways to help protect you and your baby against flu. 

People with a long-term health condition from 6 months of age

If any of the following apply to you, you are at increased risk of complications from flu even if you feel healthy, and if you get flu, it could make your health condition worse. It’s important you have a flu vaccine if you have: 

  • Diabetes
  • A heart problem
  • A chest complaint or breathing difficulties, including asthma that requires regular steroid inhalers or tablets
  • Kidney disease (from stage 3)
  • A weak immune system 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 like Parkinson’s disease, or motor neurone disease 
  • epilepsy
  • A missing spleen or a problem with it
  • a learning disability
  • severe mental illness, and
  • morbidly obese (class III obesity). This is defined as those with a higher body weight (Body Mass Index (BMI) of 40 or above) aged 16 or over.

Adults in these groups can get their flu vaccine at their GP surgery, or via a community pharmacy. Children in these groups may get their vaccine at their school if they are within that age group, or at their GP surgery. 

People aged 65 and over

If you are aged 65 or over (including those aged 65 by 31 March 2025), you are more at risk of complications from flu than other people.  

People in this age group can get their flu vaccine at their GP surgery, or via a community pharmacy. 

People who live in a residential or nursing home

Most years we see outbreaks of flu in care homes so residents are more at risk of catching flu than other people. Arrangements for residents to get their flu vaccine are most likely to be made by the care home manager.

Carers

If you are a carer for someone whose health or welfare would be at risk if you became ill with flu, including unpaid carers you should have a free flu vaccine. Having your flu vaccination will help protect you, and also the person/people you care for.

People in this group may get their flu vaccine at their GP surgery, or via a community pharmacy.

Health and social care workers

If you are a health or social care worker and have direct contact with patients or clients, you should have a flu vaccination to protect you and the people you care for.  When you get your vaccine, you are helping reduce the risk of spreading flu infection.  

NHS flu vaccines are available free to frontline care home staff and domiciliary carers from most community pharmacies – you just need to take proof of your employment when you go for your vaccination. This also includes people who work in an adult care home or a children’s hospice.  

Healthcare workers will get their vaccine via their employer. All NHS Wales organisations actively encourage staff to get their flu vaccine each year.  

If you are a member of a voluntary organisation and provide planned first aid, or if you are a community first responder, you should also have a flu vaccine. You can get this from your GP surgery or most community pharmacies – you just need to take proof of your role.  

There are different types of flu vaccine available. Some work better in different age groups. For the best protection, it is important to have a flu vaccine recommended for your age.   

Speak to your doctor, nurse or community pharmacist for more details.  

Is there anyone who should not have a flu vaccine?

There are very few people who cannot have a flu vaccine. 

People who have previously had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine or a serious allergic reaction to any of the ingredients of the vaccine should not have that vaccine again. 

Tell the nurse or doctor if you have a serious egg allergy. You can still have a flu vaccine, but special arrangements might be needed. 

A cold or other minor illness is not a reason to delay a flu vaccination. 

If you are unwell with a high temperature, delay the vaccination until you feel better. 

Page last reviewed: 1st July 2025