Flu vaccination
Changes to flu vaccinations
After 19 December 2024, you can no longer book a flu vaccination at a pharmacy using the online service.
You will also not be able to book a flu vaccination through the 119 service.
You can find a pharmacy service to get a vaccine without an appointment or browse upcoming Living Well vaccination clinics here
Flu vaccination is safe and effective. It's offered every year through the NHS to help protect children and people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
The best time to have your flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading. But you can get your vaccine later.
Flu vaccination is important because:
- while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions
- more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
- if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It's offered on the NHS every year in autumn or early winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
have certain long-term health conditions - 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
- Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
How to get the flu vaccine
If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over)
- contact your GP surgery to book an appointment
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.
Living Well Bus
The Living Well Service, delivered by Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, operates on a fully drop-in basis and provides routine immunisations (including flu), health checks and wider well being guidance at the heart of communities.
See the timetable on the Cheshire and Wirral Partnership website for upcoming Living Well clinics near you.
You can also browse upcoming Living Well and COVID-19 vaccination clinics here.