Flu vaccine

Flu is not just a cold - each year flu kills on average 11,000 people (nationally) and hospitalises thousands more; People are still getting ill with COVID-19 and we expect this to increase as winter gets nearer.

The viruses spread from person to person, even amongst those not showing symptoms and it’s very easy to pass the virus on without knowing.

People who get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, are more likely to be seriously ill particularly those who are already vulnerable Getting vaccinated against both flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you from both these serious illnesses; this will also help to reduce the strain on our health and social care services in what is likely to be a very busy winter period.

These vaccinations are the best protection for you and those around you. It’s available for free to those most at risk.

Who is eligible for a free flu vaccination?

People who are eligible for a free flu vaccination include:

all children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August 2022
all primary school aged children (from reception to Year 6)
those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
those aged 65 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
frontline staff employed by the following:
- a registered residential care or nursing home
- registered domiciliary care provider
- a voluntary managed hospice provider
- Direct Payment (personal budgets) or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants

secondary school-aged children focusing on Years 7, 8 and 9 with any remaining vaccine offered to years 10 and 11, subject to vaccine availability
those aged 50 to 64 years old not in clinical risk groups (including those who turn 50 by 31 March 2023)

If you are not in one of the eligible groups you can still book a flu jab at one of many high street locations including pharmacies and supermarkets.

For more information about the national flu campaign, visit NHS.UK.