The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. Every year, the NHS offers a free flu jab in autumn or early winter to people who are at higher risk of getting seriously ill. The vaccine is safe, effective, and updated annually to protect against the latest strains.

Who should have the flu vaccine
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over
- are pregnant
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are a frontline health or social care worker
The flu vaccine is particularly important for adults aged 18–64 living with long-term conditions, including:
- breathing conditions such as asthma (requiring steroid treatment), COPD or cystic fibrosis
- heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- chronic kidney or liver disease
- neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s, motor neurone disease or multiple sclerosis
- diabetes or Addison’s disease
- weakened immunity due to illness (such as HIV or AIDS) or treatment (such as chemotherapy or long-term steroids)
- spleen problems or sickle cell disease
- learning disability
- being very overweight (BMI 40 or above)

If you’re unsure whether your health condition makes you eligible, speak to your GP surgery or specialist for advice.
How to get the flu vaccine
If you are eligible, you can get your free NHS flu jab from:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
Frontline health and social care workers can also get vaccinated through their employer. If this isn’t available, they can still get the jab free through their GP or a pharmacy.
Why it matters
Flu can cause serious illness and hospitalisation in people with underlying conditions. In 2024/25, uptake in mid and south Essex for adults aged 18–64 with a clinical risk was just 36.4% – lower than the national average. Improving uptake will protect individuals, reduce hospital admissions, and help ease pressure on the NHS this winter. You can reduce your chances of being hospitalised with flu by nearly half just by getting vaccinated.
Protect yourself, protect others, and help keep Essex well this winter.
👉 For more information, visit: midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/flu-adults
👉 To find your nearest vaccination site, visit: midandsouthessex.ics.nhs.uk/vaccinations