Free flu jabs for carers

Protect yourself and those you care for this winter

Every day, unpaid carers in Surrey are looking after loved ones who could not cope without their support. So it’s important that they look after their own health.

From 1 October 2025, you can get a free flu vaccination whether you're:

• caring for your partner
• making a regular visit to help a disabled friend
• looking after an elderly relative

The flu virus can be life threatening so getting vaccinated is one of the most important things you can do. It will help keep you and others around you safe this winter. Spikes in hospital admissions caused by the virus also have the potential to increase the pressures faced by the NHS this winter.

The flu vaccine is estimated to have prevented around 100,000 people from being hospitalised in England last winter. It helps protect those at risk from getting seriously ill. It's particularly important to be vaccinated in time for the colder months when people gather indoors and viruses spread.

• If you look after a friend or family member, you can ask for a free flu vaccine:
• at your GP practice,
• at a pharmacy offering the NHS flu vaccine, by telling them you’re eligible. If asked for proof, just take along one of the documents on this list to identify yourself as a carer.

You can also book quickly and easily on the NHS website, NHS App, or by calling 119.

Young carers under 18 should contact their GP for advice on flu vaccination.