Flu
Last Updated: Wednesday, 18 September 2024The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
When you should have the flu vaccine
Most eligible adults will be able to get the flu vaccine from 3 October 2024.
This may be later than you've had the vaccine before, but it means you'll have the best protection when flu is most widespread.
Some people may have their vaccination from September 2024, including if:
- you're pregnant (especially if you're near to your due date) – it's important to get vaccinated before giving birth to help protect yourself and your baby for the first few months of their life
- you're due to have treatment that will weaken your immune system (such as chemotherapy) – the vaccine may be given before treatment starts because it works better if given when your immune system is stronger
You can find out more about the flu vaccination programme on the NHS website.