Advice

Flu jabs for people affected by dementia

Flu is a viral infection that causes fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness. It tends to be more common during the winter period.  

Flu can be a serious illness, particularly when a person is old or frail. Every year, flu causes thousands of deaths in the UK. People with dementia have a higher risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and needing to go into hospital. It can also worsen confusion and increase the risk of falling.

The best way to protect yourself against the flu is to have a flu vaccine. This also helps to stop the virus from spreading from person to person and affecting those close to you.

Who can have the flu jab for free?

Free flu vaccines are now being offered to adults who:

• are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2026)
• are living in a care home
• have a learning disability
• have certain long-term health conditions (for example, heart disease, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, or conditions that affect breathing)  
• are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer's allowance
• are living with someone who has a weakened immune system
• are pregnant 

Even though this covers almost everyone with dementia, it might not apply to some younger people with the condition. If this is the case for you, speak to your GP and ask if they are happy to provide the vaccine because of your dementia diagnosis.

If you have a high temperature, wait until you're feeling better before having your flu vaccine. 

Can I also get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Free COVID-19 vaccines are now only offered to those at highest risk. Having dementia does not make you eligible to get one, even if you can get the flu jab. 

The COVID-19 vaccine is now being offered to people who are:

• over 75 years of age, including people who will turn 75 by 31 January 2027
• living in a care home
• living with a weakened immune system.

If you are eligible for both flu and coronavirus vaccines, these can often be given at the same time at a local pharmacy or GP clinic. Having both vaccines can save time and make sure you’re protected from both illnesses through the winter. You don’t have to have both jabs if you don’t want to. 

Visit the NHS website for more information about the COVID-19 vaccine.

Where and when can I get the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is available from your GP or local pharmacy from October 2026. The quickest ways to book an appointment are through the NHS booking system or by calling 119 or your GP surgery. You can also use the NHS app.

The NHS advises that autumn is the best time to have a flu vaccine, but you can also have it later in winter. The sooner you have the vaccine, the sooner you will be protected. 

How much does the flu vaccine cost if I’m not eligible?

Many pharmacies can provide a flu vaccine to people who aren’t eligible for a free one. Expect to pay around £20 in most cases. 

I had a flu vaccine last year. Do I need another one?

Yes. There are many different strains of flu and every year the mix of the different strains that are making people ill is different. Last year’s flu vaccine might not protect against this year’s flu. This is why every year a new vaccine is made to protect people from the flu strains that are around at the time.