Protect Yourself with Flu Vaccination
As the flu season approaches, it is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones by getting a flu vaccination. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to reduce the risk of getting the flu and its complications.
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
- Children aged 2-3 year olds
How to get the flu vaccine
If you’re eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you can:
- contact us to book an appointment
- find a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you’re aged 18 or over)
- book a flu vaccination appointment online or in the NHS App (if you’re aged 18 or over)
Some people may be able to get vaccinated through their maternity service, care home or their employer if they are a frontline health or social care worker.
You may receive an invitation to get vaccinated, but you do not have to wait for this before booking an appointment.
The flu vaccine for people with long-term health conditions
The flu vaccine is offered free on the NHS to people with certain long-term health conditions, including:
- respiratory conditions, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including emphysema and bronchitis
- diabetes
- heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure
- being very overweight – a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or above
- chronic kidney disease
- liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis
- some neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s disease, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis (MS), or cerebral palsy
- a learning disability
- problems with your spleen like sickle cell disease, or if you’ve had your spleen removed
- a weakened immune system as a result of conditions such as HIV and AIDS, or taking medicines such as steroid tablets or chemotherapy
Talk to your doctor if you have a long-term health condition that is not in one of these groups. They should offer you a flu vaccine if they think you’re at risk of serious health problems if you get flu.
Where to Get Vaccinated
Please call us on 01895 632 677 as there may be flu slots available throughout the week.