Immunisation is your best defence against influenza. Even fit and healthy people should consider getting the flu jab to protect themselves.
2026 flu season
Getting a flu vaccine helps reduce your risk of getting really sick or having to go to hospital.
2026 eligibility
The flu season for 2026 begins on 1 April 2026. The flu vaccine is free for those who are most vulnerable to becoming very sick if they get the flu.
For the 2026 flu season, the vaccine is funded for everyone:
- 65 years old and over
It is also funded for people under 65 who are most at risk of becoming very sick from flu, such as people with long-term conditions (like asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular disease):
- with long-term conditions (like asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular disease)
- with reduced immune function
- who are pregnant
- with specific mental health conditions or addiction issues
- 4 years old and under who have been hospitalised for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.