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
Thousands of carers receiving new debt letters as review into Carer’s Allowance overpayments continues
The number of carers facing overpayment debts continues to rise.
Carers UK responds to the Government’s publication of the welfare reform green paper proposing changes to disability and health benefits
“We are very concerned that the plans the Government has published today could hit unpaid carers, disabled people and their…
Carers Scotland calls for urgent action to tackle Scotland’s growing mental health crisis for unpaid carers
Press release for ‘State of Caring in Scotland 2024: Health and social care support for unpaid carers’.
Carers NI's response to the NI Programme for Government
Carers are invisible and ignored in the NI Executive’s Programme for Government say Carers NI.
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.