Flu vaccine

Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill. It is important to get the flu vaccine if you're advised to.

Flu spreads from person to person. If you catch flu, the virus can make you very poorly. Having your vaccine will help you to stay healthy.

About flu and the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine can help protect people of various ages. The virus changes every year, so it is important to get a vaccine each year.

People who are older, pregnant and with certain health conditions are among those recommended to get the vaccine.

Find out more about the flu and the flu vaccine.

Who should have the vaccine

Information is available about which adults and children should have the vaccine.

Adults flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults who:

  • Are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
  • Have certain health conditions
  • Are pregnant
  • Are in long-stay residential care
  • Receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
  • Live with someone who is more likely to get a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis

Read the who should have the flu vaccination and why guidance for more information.

Children's flu vaccine

The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is effective in helping to protect children against flu and to prevent the spread of flu. It is offered to:

  • Children aged two or three years on 31 August 2023 (born between 1 September 2019 and 31 August 2021)
  • All primary school children (Reception to Year 6)
  • Some secondary school aged children (Year 7 to Year 11)
  • Children aged 2 to 17 years with certain long-term health conditions that makes them at higher risk of flu. Eligible conditions are specified on the NHS website

Hounslow and Richmond Community Healthcare NHS Trust’s Immunisations Team deliver the school-aged immunisations programme in Wandsworth.

View the Trust's flu immunisation information for 2023/24. 

For more information you can call 0203 903 3374 or visit the Trust’s immunisations page and read the latest guidance on flu vaccinations for children.

Getting the vaccine

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:

Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.

You may receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.

Where children can get the flu vaccine

Child's age

Where to have the vaccine
From six months until two years
(with certain long-term conditions)		 GP surgery
From two years until child starts primary school GP surgery
All children at primary school (Reception to Year 6) School
Some secondary school aged children in eligible groups (Year 7 to Year 11) School
Children in eligible school groups (with a long-term health condition) School or GP surgery
Children who are home-schooled or not in mainstream education (same ages as those offered in eligible groups at schools) Community clinic

Up to Immunisation

Updated: 14/02/2024