Flu and COVID-19 can make some people very unwell. Vaccination is one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill.
If you are eligible, you can get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations free through the Health and Social Care (HSC) vaccination programme in Northern Ireland.
Our practice encourages everyone who is eligible to take up the offer of vaccination this autumn and winter.
Flu vaccination
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu.
Flu can be serious, particularly for older people, pregnant women, young children and people with certain health conditions.
Who can get the flu vaccine?
The seasonal flu vaccination programme in Northern Ireland is offered to people who are at increased risk from flu.
Eligible groups include:
- older people in the eligible age group
- people aged from 6 months with certain health conditions
- pregnant women
- people living in residential or nursing homes
- carers
- close contacts of people who are immunocompromised
- eligible health and social care workers
- eligible pre-school children
- school-aged children up to and including Year 12
Other people may also be eligible because of their work or risk of exposure.
Eligibility can change between vaccination programmes. Please check the latest Northern Ireland guidance to find out whether you are eligible.
Find out more about the flu vaccine on nidirect
Flu vaccinations for children
The annual flu vaccination programme in Northern Ireland includes eligible pre-school and school-aged children.
Pre-school children aged 2 to 4 are normally offered their vaccination through their GP practice.
School-aged children, up to and including Year 12, are normally offered the flu vaccine through the school vaccination programme.
Children aged from 6 months with certain underlying health conditions may also be eligible for vaccination.
Most children are offered the flu vaccine as a nasal spray. An injected vaccine may be offered when the nasal spray is not suitable.
Find out more about the flu vaccine for children on nidirect
COVID-19 vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccination programme is targeted at people who are at greatest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19.
For autumn 2026, the COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to:
- adults aged 75 years and over
- residents in care homes for older adults
- people aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed
Immunosuppression can be caused by certain health conditions or treatments.
If you think you may be eligible because you have a weakened immune system, you can find further information about eligibility on nidirect or through your specialist healthcare team.
Find out more about the COVID-19 vaccine on nidirect
When will I be offered my vaccination?
Vaccination arrangements can vary depending on your age, circumstances and which vaccine you are eligible for.
If you are eligible, PLEASE WAIT to be contacted or follow the vaccination arrangements provided by your GP practice, community pharmacy, school or local Health and Social Care Trust.
You DO NOT NEED to contact the Practice simply to ask when vaccinations will begin.
Some eligible people may also be able to receive their vaccination through a participating community pharmacy or HSC Trust vaccination clinic.
School-aged children will normally be offered their flu vaccination through the school vaccination programme.
Where can I get vaccinated?
Where you receive your vaccination will depend on your age, circumstances and which vaccination you are eligible for.
Vaccinations in Northern Ireland may be available through:
- your GP practice
- participating community pharmacies
- your local Health and Social Care Trust
- the school vaccination programme for eligible children
- your employer if you are an eligible health or social care worker
- vaccination arrangements for residential and nursing homes
Please follow any invitation or information you receive about where and when to have your vaccination.
Find vaccination information for Northern Ireland on nidirect
Can I have my flu and COVID-19 vaccines together?
Yes.
If you are eligible for both vaccines, you may be offered your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations at the same appointment.
It is safe to receive both vaccines at the same time.
Why should I get vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated can:
- reduce your risk of becoming seriously ill
- help protect you from complications
- reduce your risk of needing hospital treatment
- help protect you during the winter months
Protection from vaccines can reduce over time, and viruses can change.
This is why you may be offered another vaccination this autumn or winter, even if you have been vaccinated before.
Need more information?
You can find the latest information about flu and COVID-19 vaccination in Northern Ireland on nidirect:
Flu vaccine for children – nidirect
Immunisation and vaccinations – nidirect
If you are not sure whether you are eligible for a vaccination, check the latest Northern Ireland guidance, speak to a community pharmacist or healthcare professional, or contact the Practice.
If you are eligible, please wait to be contacted or follow the vaccination arrangements provided by your GP practice, community pharmacy, school or local Health and Social Care Trust.
Protect yourself this winter. If you are eligible, take up the offer of vaccination.