The NHS is reminding certain vulnerable groups to schedule animportant vaccinationthis month. Its message is particularly crucial for people born before a specific date,pregnant women, children, and several others.

In a post to X yesterday, the health service said: "Almost 8 million people have already had their fluvaccine. Flu can be serious for those at high risk — like children, pregnant women, older adults and those with long-term conditions. If you're eligible, book online or via your GP, pharmacy or NHS App."

Flu vaccines aim to protect against the flu, which may be life-threatening for certain groups. Every autumn or early winter, the NHS offersthese injections to people at higher risk of serious health complications.

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According to aprevious update from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), six key groups became eligible to book their flu vaccinations from September 1 this year. Another six were then able to book from October 1.

From September 1, this included:

Children with certain long-term health conditions (aged six months to less than 18 years)

Primary school-aged children (from reception to Year 6)

Secondary school-aged children (from Year 7 to Year 11)

All children in clinical risk groups aged from six months to under 18 years

Pregnant women

All children aged two or three years old on August 31, 2025

And from October 1, this encompassed:

Everyone aged 65 years old and over

Anyone aged 18 to 65 with long-term health conditions

Care home residents

Carers in receipt of Carer's Allowance, or those who are a main carer of an elderly or disabled person

Those living with people who are immunocompromised

Frontline health and social care workers

Older adults who will turn 65 by March 31, 2026, are also eligible for the NHS flu vaccine this winter. This means they were born on or before March 31, 1961.

You can verify your eligibility for a flu shot through the NHS app. These vaccinations are offered at GP surgeries, some pharmacies, maternity clinics, and care homes.

The NHS states that health or social care workers might be eligible to receive their vaccination at their workplace. It is generally safe to get the flu vaccine alongside other vaccines like the COVID-19 and shingles vaccines.

While the RSV vaccine is typically given separately, the NHS explains that a doctor may administer both vaccines if they consider it necessary. According to the Mirror, further NHS guidance adds: "Most people who are eligible for the flu vaccine can have it.

"You only cannot have the vaccine if you've had a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to a previous dose of the vaccine or an ingredient in the vaccine. Some of the flu vaccines used in the UK contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating you if you have an egg allergy."

As of 1 October, the NHS had already dispatched over 12 million flu jab invitations by email, with additional invites also being issued via the NHS App, text messages, and letters throughout this month. However, those who are eligible do not need to wait for an invitation to book.

For more information, head to the NHS website.