Vaccinations for adults will begin on 1 October with GP practices inviting patients into clinics, some held in the evenings or at weekends.
Anyone who is eligible for the flu or COVID-19 vaccination, or both, can also opt to book an appointment at a local pharmacy.
The NHS is encouraging people to have their vaccinations as soon as possible, to ensure that they are fully protected ahead of what is expected to be a winter where flu is widespread.
Flu and COVID-19 are not just seasonal nuisances – they can lead to serious complications, especially for those with long-term conditions such as severe asthma, heart disease, liver disease or diabetes. Research carried out by the ICB into last winter’s flu vaccination programme showed that having a flu vaccination helped people with an existing health condition to stay out of hospital. It also showed that unpaid carers were 7 times more likely to be hospitalised with a flu-related illness if they didn’t have their flu vaccine. If you are a carer, or someone with a long-term health condition, please prioritise having your flu vaccination over the next few weeks to help protect yourself and your loved ones.
Who is eligible?
Flu vaccine
You are eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- Are aged 65 or over
- Have certain long-term health conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, heart disease, neurological conditions)
- Are pregnant
- Live in a care home
- Are a carer or live with someone who is immunocompromised
- Are a frontline health or social care worker
- Are a child aged 2 or 3, or a school-aged child from Reception to Year 11 (flu nasal spray)
- Are a child aged 6 months to under 18 years in a clinical risk group
COVID-19 vaccine
The COVID-19 autumn vaccination is available to:
- Adults aged 75 and over
- Residents in care homes for older adults
- Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed