Infectious diseases and vaccination

Seasonal flu occurs every year, usually in the winter. It's a highly infectious disease caused by a virus and not just a common cold. The most likely viruses that will cause flu each year are identified in advance and vaccines are then produced that closely match them. The H1N1 virus that caused the outbreak of the 'swine flu' pandemic in recent years is present in the winter months and seasonal flu vaccines now include added protection against this virus.

Flu vaccination is important because, while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2025)
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
• live in a care home
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• live with someone who has a weakened immune system

Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.

Further information about the vaccination programme is available on the NHS Choices website.