Vaccination Services

Flu & Covid

Why Vaccinate? Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is important because:

while flu is unpleasant for most people, it can be dangerous and even life threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions
more people are likely to get flu this winter as fewer people will have built up natural immunity to it during the COVID-19 pandemic
if you get flu and COVID-19 at the same time, research shows you're more likely to be seriously ill

Who can have the flu vaccine?

The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to adults 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 a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
are frontline health workers
are social care workers who cannot get the vaccine through an occupational health scheme at work

Starting from mid-October, people aged 50 years old or over (including those who will be 50 years old by 31 March 2024) can have a free NHS flu vaccine. This is so at-risk groups can be offered vaccination first.

If you're in this age group and have a long-term health condition that puts you at risk from flu, you do not have to wait until mid-October.

Seasonal COVID-19 vaccine

You may be able to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine in autumn 2023 if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19. For example, this may be due to a health condition or your age.

How to get a seasonal COVID-19 vaccine
We will contact you if your NHS record suggests you may be eligible.

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad

Fitfortravel is a free public access website providing up to date health information for the UK public on avoiding illness and staying healthy when travelling abroad.

More Info

Travelling in Europe

Your rights & EU rules

If you are travelling to Europe the EU has published useful information for travellers on the European website.

As an EU national, you enjoy the right of free movement. This means you’re entitled to travel, work and live in another EU country. If you’re a citizen of a Schengen country – which is most EU countries – you’re also free to travel to other Schengen countries without the need for border checks.

As an EU national, you can also benefit from EU-wide passenger rights for travel into, out of or within the EU by air, rail, bus/coach or ship. You can travel with pets and other animals in the EU provided you comply with the rules (pet passports). There are EU limits on taking alcohol, tobacco or cash with you to another EU country. Each EU country can set its own limits or restrictions, so check before you go.