Why take the flu jab?
Taking the seasonal flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and the person you care for from flu. We provide guidance about your right to a free flu jab if you care for someone.
When caring for someone, you may worry about what would happen if you suddenly became ill. How would you cope? What impact would this have on the person you care for?
Am I entitled to a free flu vaccine?
If you are the main carer for an elderly or disabled person, who may be put at risk if you became ill, you should be offered a free flu jab, according to government policy.
You should also be offered one if you're receiving Carer's Allowance. If you feel this applies to you, you should be able to request one from your GP surgery or local pharmacist.
You may also be eligible for a free flu jab if you are aged 65+, pregnant or have a certain health condition.
Find out more
For further information, such as the health conditions that qualify you for a free jab, visit:
If you live in England, see the NHS website .
If you live in Wales, visit NHS Direct Wales website.
If you live in Scotland, visit the NHS Inform website .
If you live in Northern Ireland, see the flu vaccination page on NI Direct .
We also have resources for healthcare professionals and employers to download and share to help encourage more unpaid carers to request their free flu jab. It is more important than ever to ensure carers, along with those they care for, remain protected this winter. Email comms@carersuk.org to find out more.
Related content
Latest updates
![Dummy image](/media/wktlg5hv/adobestock_528174948-min.jpeg?center=0.2473769211468394,0.494159415827546&mode=crop&width=255&height=190&rnd=132654752814970000)
Carers UK respond to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, reforms to the DWP
Helen Walker, Chief Executive of Carers UK, said: “There are 4.3 million working age unpaid carers in the UK and…
![Dummy image](/media/wktlg5hv/adobestock_528174948-min.jpeg?center=0.2473769211468394,0.494159415827546&mode=crop&width=255&height=190&rnd=132654752814970000)
Kings Speech - Carers UK welcomes Employment Rights Bill provisions but calls for unpaid carers to be greater priority for Government
Responding to today’s speech by King Charles III, Emily Holzhausen CBE, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Carers UK,…
![Dummy image](/media/wktlg5hv/adobestock_528174948-min.jpeg?center=0.2473769211468394,0.494159415827546&mode=crop&width=255&height=190&rnd=132654752814970000)
Rise in people discharged early from hospital puts millions of unpaid carers under more pressure
A survey by the Adult Directors of Social Services, ADASS, reveals a rise in the numbers of people being discharged…
![Dummy image](/media/wktlg5hv/adobestock_528174948-min.jpeg?center=0.2473769211468394,0.494159415827546&mode=crop&width=255&height=190&rnd=132654752814970000)
Carers UK responds to the appointment of Sir Stephen Timms MP as the DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities
“We are delighted that Sir Stephen Timms MP has been appointed as the DWP Minister for Social Security and Disabilities.…
Got a question about caring?
Every day we hear from people who need help with looking after a friend or family member
Become a member for free
Joining Carers UK is free and takes just a few minutes.