Eligible groups

NHS Scotland follows advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

The JCVI recommends that people have both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines this year if they are:

  • residents and staff in care homes for older adults
  • aged 65 and over
  • aged 6 months and over with a condition that places them at higher risk
  • pregnant
  • carers aged 16 and over
  • aged 12 and over who are household contacts of people with a weakened immune system
  • frontline health and social care workers

Some people are eligible for the flu vaccine only. This includes:

  • children aged 6 months to 2 years with a condition that places them at higher risk of flu
  • children aged 2-5 years (and not yet at school) on 1 September 2023
  • all primary school pupils
  • all secondary school pupils
  • those aged 18–64 years with an eligible condition
  • those aged 50 years and over
  • non-frontline healthcare workers including independent contractors or support staff (GP, dental, optometry and community pharmacy practices)
  • teachers and pupil-facing support staff
  • those who are in the prison population, prison officers and support staff who deliver direct detention services

​More information is available for flu immunisations and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Last updated: 17 August 2023