Information about the flu vaccination programme. What it is, why flu vaccination is important, who is eligible and links to a wide range of helpful resources for both public and health professionals.
Flu is an infectious virus that spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze. It can also spread when people touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. Flu can be serious, for some people it can lead to complications that may require hospital care and can be life threatening.
The flu vaccine is the safest and easiest way to protect against serious illness from flu. The vaccine is given to adults as an injection in the upper arm.
The flu vaccination programme runs each year, typically from October to March. It is delivered in partnership with general practitioners, community pharmacies and health hand social care trusts, and is designed to offer flexibility and ease of access for those eligible.
Eligible groups
This winter, the flu vaccine is being offered to people at increased risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Flu eligibility criteria for the 2026/27 Winter flu vaccination programme will be available soon. Flu vaccine | nidirect
*COVID-19 vaccination – some people will also be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccination this Winter*.
More information:
The following resources are available for health professionals to support confident conversations about the flu vaccination programme.
Information for healthcare and other professionals | HSC Public Health Agency
PHA resources
Training
Please see below the current workforce education and training resources to support health professionals in delivering the 2026/27 flu vaccination programme. NHSE elfh Hub
Patient Group Directions - PGDs/VGDs – Primary Care Intranet
Guidance for Healthcare Professionals
You can view data on vaccination in Northern Ireland in the Seasonal influenza - annual surveillance reports | HSC Public Health Agency.
