Flu vaccine

It’s expected that this year’s flu season will be worse than usually seen. The flu virus spreads from person to person, even amongst those not showing symptoms. The flu vaccine is the best protection for you and those around you. It’s available for free to those most at risk.

Flu vaccination is important because:

• 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
• getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 will provide protection for you and those around you for both these serious illnesses

If you've had COVID-19, it's safe to have the flu vaccine. It will still be effective at helping to prevent flu.

Who is eligible for a flu vaccination this year?

The expanded flu vaccination programme that we had last year will continue in 2021 to 2022. This means that as a temporary measure the offer of vaccines for 50 to 64 year olds will continue this year to protect this age group, as hospitalisation from covid-19 also increases from the age of 50 years onwards.

As a temporary measure, the programme will also be extended this year to 4 additional age groups in secondary school so that all those from years 7 to year 11 will be offered vaccination.

Those eligible for NHS influenza vaccination in 2021 to 2022 are:

• all children aged 2 to 15 (but not 16 years or older) on 31 August 2021
• those aged 6 months to under 50 years in clinical risk groups
• pregnant women
• those aged 50 years and over
• those in long-stay residential care homes
• carers
• close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• frontline health and social care staff employed by:
  • a registered residential care or nursing home
  • registered domiciliary care provider
  • a voluntary managed hospice provider
  • Direct Payment (personal budgets) and/or Personal Health Budgets, such as Personal Assistants.

All frontline health and social care workers are expected to have influenza vaccination to protect those they care for.

How do I get my free vaccination?

If you fall in to one of the categories above, your GP will contact you to arrange your vaccination appointment. If you haven't heard from your GP, or if you're not sure if you're eligible for the vaccination, please contact your GP or pharmacist.

Staying safe during covid-19

Your GP practice is taking precautions to ensure flu clinics are run safely and the risk of catching covid-19 is reduced. Practice staff will be wearing special equipment, called PPE, to keep you and them safe. You may also be asked to wear a face covering to your appointment. Please don't turn up to your practice without an appointment. When you attend your appointment, please follow the instructions given carefully - this will prevent the spread of covid.