Eligible groups and invitations

NHS Scotland recommends a person has the flu vaccine if they:

  • are aged 50 years and over
  • are aged 18–64 with an eligible health condition
  • work in social care and deliver direct personal care
  • are a frontline healthcare worker
  • are a carer (including unpaid carer)
  • are an independent contractor or support staff (GP, dental, optometry and community pharmacy practices)
  • are a teacher or support staff (pupil facing)
  • are a prison officer or support staff member who delivers direct detention services

Find out more about how eligible groups can get the flu vaccine on NHS inform (external website).

Further guidance about eligible groups

Adults with a health condition

People with certain health conditions are at greater risk from flu even if their condition is mild or well-managed.

View the list of conditions and diseases that can make flu more serious on NHS inform's flu vaccine pages (external website).

Adults in care settings

The flu vaccination is also recommended for residents and staff in:

  • long-stay residential care homes
  • other long-stay care facilities

Frontline healthcare workers

Frontline healthcare workers are offered a free flu vaccine every year. 

Find out more about how to get the vaccine on NHS inform (external website).

Frontline social care workers

Frontline social care workers who regularly provide direct care and support are eligible for a free flu vaccine.

This includes, but is not limited to, people working in:

  • hospitals
  • residential care for adults
  • children's residential or secure care
  • the community, providing care at home (including housing support and personal assistant)

Find out more about how to get the vaccine on NHS inform (external website).

Unpaid and young carers

Carers (including unpaid and young carers aged 16 or over) are also eligible to get both vaccines.

Unpaid carers provide essential help and support without pay. They may care for a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour.

Support may be needed due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability.

Further information

For further information about eligible adult groups in 2023 to 2024, view the Scottish Government Chief Medical Officer letter (external website).

Last updated: 04 August 2023