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 2023)
• 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 2023) 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.

Covid vaccinations

The lifesaving autumn '22 booster rollout has begun as the NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme moves to the next phase.

Seven million people, including people aged 75 and over, people who are immunosuppressed and health and care workers will be able to book in online or by calling 119.