Full list of people eligible for free flu vaccine in 2022 - and where to get it

As the winter period rolls in, members of the public are being urged to get the flu vaccine to help protect against serious illness.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is urging anyone that is eligible for the free vaccine to take up the offer as soon as possible ahead of 'what could be a difficult winter with respiratory viruses circulating widely'. According to the NHS, it is important to get the flu vaccine because the virus can be life-threatening to some people while more people are likely to get the flu over the coming months.

Experts are particularly concerned about the spread of the flu virus this winter, as fewer people have built up the necessary immunity to the disease after a few winters of socialising less due to the pandemic.

Read more: Doctors' warning over winter flu and Covid spike - see who's eligible for jabs

Furthermore, if you contract Covid-19 at the same time, research suggests that you could end up becoming more seriously ill. That's why the NHS is offering a free flu vaccine alongside the Covid vaccine.

In the year 2017/2018, 22,000 people died of influenza in England, which represented the highest death toll in recent years. Nearly 2,000 of those who died of the disease were aged 60 and over.

Many people will be able to get the flu fab free on the NHS this year. Here's what you need to know.

According to the NHS, the flu vaccine is being offered for free on the NHS to adults who:

Serious long-term health conditions that make you eligible for the free jab include:

From mid-October, everyone over the age of 50 will also be eligible for the free jab.

The NHS flu vaccine can be given at:

You might also be offered the flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.

GP surgeries and pharmacies get the flu