Seasonal Flu Vaccine Programme: Winter 2025–26
When is the flu vaccine offered?
This year’s flu vaccine will be available from September 2025 and finish in March 2026.
Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this winter?
Adult Programme
- Those living in long-stay residential care homes or other long-stay care facilities
- All those aged 65 and over
- All those aged 18 to under 65 years in defined risk groups. This includes:
- those in clinical at-risk groups set out in Green Book Chapter 19
- those experiencing homelessness
- those experiencing substance misuse
- asylum seekers living in Home Office hotel or B&B accommodation
- all prisoners within the Scottish prison estate
- pregnant women
- Frontline health and social care workers
- Non-frontline NHS workers
- Poultry workers & bird keepers
- Unpaid carers and young carers
- Household contacts of those with immunosuppression
Childhood programme
- Children aged from 6 months to 18 years in clinical risk groups (if not eligible
- in accordance with bullet points below)
- All children aged 2-5 years not yet at school (age as of 01/09/2025)
- All primary school children (primary one to primary seven)
- All secondary school pupils (years one to six)
Why get vaccinated?
- Protect yourself and others from serious flu illness
- Reduce the risk of hospitalisation
- Help limit flu spread in the community
Need more information?
Visit NHS Inform or call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013
Covid-19 vaccination programme
Frequently asked questions - winter vaccines
JCVI advises on eligible groups for autumn COVID-19 vaccination - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Request support with interpretation, or get help with travelling to your appointment