At-risk groups are urged to get vaccinated amidst increasing concerns over flu cases in the UK. The NHS has cautioned about a ‘tidal wave’ of infections following an earlier-than-expected start to the illness season, leading to the closure of some schools.
A message from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued on X this week also reads: « Help protect yourself with a flu vaccine, it’s just like protective armour for those with long-term health conditions like #kidney disease. Stay strong. Get vaccinated. »
Flu shots are designed to protect against influenza, a potentially deadly threat to certain people. Each autumn or early winter, the NHS administers these vaccines to groups who are at increased risk of serious complications.
As per official UKHSA guidance, six primary groups became eligible for their flu jabs from September 1 this year, with another six qualifying from October 1.
From September 1, this included:
- Pregnant women
- All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025
- Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)
- Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)
- Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)
- All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years
And from October 1, 2025, this included:
- Everyone aged 65 years old and over
- Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions
- Care home residents
- Carers in receipt of Carer’s Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person
- Those living with people who are immunocompromised
- Frontline health and social care workers
The NHS App can be used to check eligibility for vaccinations. These jabs are available at GP surgeries, selected pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes.
Health or social care workers may also be able to get their jab at their place of work. It’s possible to have a flu jab alongside other vaccines, such as COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.
While the RSV vaccine is typically not given at the same time, the NHS indicates that a doctor might administer both vaccines together if necessary.
In light of a recent influx of flu cases, a spokesperson at No 10 also advised this week: « There is long-standing guidance in place for people on a range of measures they can consider taking to help limit the spread of winter bugs if they have flu-like symptoms.
« This is neither new nor an instruction but simply something people can consider when trying to limit the spread of winter respiratory illnesses. »
According to a previous Mirror report, they added: « It’s been a long-standing position. The best defence against flu is the vaccine, which is why we’re ramping up our vaccination efforts this winter with almost 17 million flu jobs already delivered, which is 350,000 more than this time last year. »
For more information, head to the NHS website.
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