Free Flu vaccinations are available
Boost your immunity this winter with the free NHS flu vaccination.
Flu occurs every year and most people usually recover within a week or so, but for some, the disease can be dangerous and increase the risk of developing more serious illnesses. In the worst cases, flu can result in a stay in hospital or even death.
Having a flu vaccine is the most effective way to boost our natural immunity and protect ourselves, the communities we serve, and our loved ones from the harmful effects of flu this winter.
Why do I need a vaccine?
Flu and COVID can both be life-threatening and spread more easily in winter, when we are all crowded together inside.
As we learn to live with COVID-19, it’s so important to make sure you are protected against potentially serious winter illnesses such as the flu.
Even if you were vaccinated against flu last year, you will need another this winter as the virus can change from year-to-year. Boost your immunity this winter by getting the free vaccine.
Where and when to get the flu jab
It’s best to have the flu vaccination in the autumn before flu starts spreading in winter.
The flu vaccine is offered to people most at risk of getting seriously ill from flu or who are most likely to pass flu to other people at risk.
If you're eligible for the flu vaccine, the NHS will let you know when you can get it.
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service – if you're aged 18 or over
To get the vaccination, speak to your GP or practice nurse or pharmacist, or visit the NHS website.
School-aged children will receive their vaccination from a trained health professional at school.
Who can receive the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:
- are 65 and over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2024)
- have certain health conditions
- are pregnant
- are in long-stay residential care
- receive a carer's allowance, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person who may be at risk if you get sick
- live with someone who is more likely to get infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- frontline health or social care workers
COVID-19 booster vaccination
Some people are being offered a COVID booster vaccination this autumn, this includes anyone over 65, people with health conditions and health and social care workers. You will be offered a booster dose at least three months after your last dose. If you have not had a first or second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine yet, you should have them as soon as possible.
Visit the NHS website to find out more about the COVID-19 booster vaccine and who can get it.
If you are offered both vaccines, it's safe to have them at the same time.
Flu vaccine information for Social care workers and carers
The Department of Health and Social care and NHS has produced flu vaccine information for social care workers and carers.
It gives details on the benefits of the flu vaccination and options for accessing it. Those who should receive a flu vaccination include all front-line adult social care workers,
social care workers working with children who are clinically vulnerable to flu, and some carers.