Asthma requiring continuous or repeated use of inhaled or systemic steroids, or with previous exacerbations needing hospital admission. COPD including chronic bronchitis and emphysema; bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis, interstitial lung fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Children previously admitted to hospital for lower respiratory tract disease are also included.

Congenital heart disease, hypertension with cardiac complications, chronic heart failure, and anyone needing regular medication or follow-up for ischaemic heart disease. This also covers atrial fibrillation, peripheral vascular disease and a history of venous thromboembolism.

Chronic kidney disease at stage 3, 4 or 5, chronic kidney failure, nephrotic syndrome and kidney transplantation.

Stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA), and conditions where respiratory function may be compromised. Following individual assessment, immunisation is also offered to those with cerebral palsy, severe or profound multiple learning disabilities, Down’s syndrome, multiple sclerosis, dementia, Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease and related conditions.

Type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes requiring insulin or oral hypoglycaemic drugs, and diet-controlled diabetes. Also Addison’s disease and secondary or tertiary adrenal insufficiency requiring steroid replacement.

Weakened immune systems due to cancer treatment, organ or stem cell transplants, HIV, inherited immune disorders, or autoimmune diseases such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. These patients may respond less well to vaccination, making protection especially important.

Adults with a Body Mass Index of 40 kg/m² or above.

Pregnant women at any stage of pregnancy — first, second or third trimester. The inactivated flu vaccine is safe and recommended in pregnancy.

Those who share living accommodation on most days with someone who is immunosuppressed, where close contact is unavoidable.

Anyone eligible for a carer’s allowance, or who is the sole or primary carer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer falls ill.