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Flu vaccine - Information for health and social care workers eligible for the flu vaccine

Flu can be serious, especially for: 

  • babies 
  • older adults 
  • those with long-term health conditions, and 
  • pregnant women. 

When you work in health or social care, you have a duty to help stop the spread of infections – and that includes flu.

If you’re an NHS health and social care worker and work directly with patients or clients, it is important to get a flu vaccine every year. The flu vaccine helps to protect: 

  • you 
  • the people you care for 
  • the people you work with, and 
  • your family. 

Getting vaccinated also helps reduce staff sickness and keeps NHS and social care services running smoothly. This is very important during busy winter months.

The table below shows which health and social care workers are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.  
Who can have a free NHS vaccine? Where to get it 
Care home staff who regularly work with residents (for example, in adults’ residential care homes, nursing homes and children’s hospices)  Usually given at a community pharmacy  
Domiciliary care workers (those who provide care in people’s homes)  Usually given at a community pharmacy  
Healthcare workers (Health Board and Trust staff)  Through your occupational health department or from your GP surgery 

All NHS Wales Health Boards and Trusts encourage their staff to get the flu vaccine every year.

Healthcare employers, including GP surgeries and other providers, have a responsibility to:

  • share clear and accurate information about the flu vaccine
  • encourage staff to get vaccinated, and
  • support eligible staff to access the vaccine.

By getting vaccinated, you’re helping to protect the people who need it most, and supporting the health and care system we all rely on. 

Further information for healthcare colleagues in Wales is available on the Public Health Wales Immunisation and Vaccination Intranet site (NHS Wales network connection required).

“The people who come into my care are some of the most vulnerable in society. A big part of my job is to make sure they feel safe – both emotionally and physically. 

As a healthcare worker, getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect me; it helps to keep my patients, friends, family and colleagues safe too. It’s an easy decision for me.” 

Chloe, 27 years old.

Guidance

Vaccination programme recommendations from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Welsh Government policy can be found at the links below. 

Clinical resources and information

Watch: A conversation about the importance of the flu vaccine for healthcare workers.

Data and surveillance

Page last reviewed: 30th April 2026