Flu & COVID Vaccinations
Flu vaccine
The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness. It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter to people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
Who should have the flu vaccine
The flu vaccine is recommended for people at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.
It’s offered on the NHS every year in autumn or winter.
You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:
- are aged 65 or over (including those who will be 65 by 31 March 2027)
- are aged 18 to 64 and have certain long-term health conditions
- are pregnant – you can have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy
- live in a care home
- are the main carer for an older or disabled person, or receive a carer’s allowance
- live with someone who has a weakened immune system
- are aged 16 or over and rough sleeping or staying in a homeless hostel or night shelter
Frontline health and social care workers can also get a flu vaccine through their employer.
https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/flu-vaccine/
What the COVID-19 vaccine is for
COVID-19 vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself if you’re at increased risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19.
The COVID-19 vaccines are offered because viruses change and protection fades over time. It’s important to top up your protection if you’re eligible.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine can:
- help reduce your risk of getting severe symptoms
- help you recover more quickly if you catch COVID-19
- help reduce your risk of having to go to hospital or dying from COVID-19
- protect against different types of COVID-19 virus
Who should have the COVID-19 vaccine
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine if you:
- are aged 75 or over (including those who will be 75 by 31 January 2027)
- are aged 6 months to 74 years and have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or treatment
- live in a care home for older adults
