Flu Vaccine 2024

Who will be offered the flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is offered to adults who are most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

Older adults and people with certain health conditions are more at risk of flu-related complications and need extra protection, even if their health condition is mild or well managed.

Why should I get the flu vaccine?

Flu can be serious for some people. This year’s vaccine gives you the best possible protection against the flu viruses likely to be circulating this season.

The vaccine helps protect you from getting the flu. If you do get flu and have been vaccinated, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. This will reduce your risk of needing to go to hospital with serious flu illness.

You’ll be offered the flu vaccine this year if you’re:

  • aged 65 and over
  • aged 18 to 64 with an eligible health condition
  • pregnant
  • living in a long-stay residential care home or other long-stay care facility
  • living with someone who has a weakened immune system
  • an unpaid or young carer
  • a frontline health or social care worker
  • a non-frontline NHS worker
  • a poultry worker
  • an asylum seeker living in a home office hotel or B&B accommodation
  • experiencing homelessness or substance misuse
  • living in a Scottish prison

Child Flu Vaccination

Who’s being offered the vaccine?

The flu vaccine is offered to all:

  • children aged 6 months to 2 years with an eligible health condition
  • children aged 2 to 5 years and not yet at school (children must be aged 2 years or above on 1 September 2024 to be eligible)
  • primary and secondary school children