Each year the flu vaccination is available to help protect adults and children at risk from flu and its complications.
Flu is a highly infectious virus that is spread from person to person and infects the respiratory system, where it can lead to pneumonia and other complications.
The flu viruses are constantly changing, and this is one of the main reasons why people should be vaccinated annually.
The symptoms, that come on very quickly, include fever, chills, headaches, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.
Winter flu vaccine
If you’re 50 or over, pregnant, a carer or a close contacts of anyone who has weakened immunity or if you have a long-term health condition, you’re entitled to a flu vaccination. You get this for free as you’re at greater risk of being seriously affected by the flu.
The flu vaccine reduces the likelihood of you getting flu, the severity of flu symptoms if you do catch it, and could help prevent your relatives or carers from catching flu from you.
This winter, if you are in one of the groups below, and haven’t yet had your free flu vaccine, book yours today.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS to people who:
- are 50 and over (including those who’ll be 50 by 31 March 2022)
- 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 infections (such as someone who has HIV, has had a transplant or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis)
- frontline health or social care workers
You can get your NHS flu vaccine from
- Your GP surgery
- A pharmacy offering the service
- Your midwifery service if you’re pregnant
- A hospital appointment
- Via schools for school aged children
- The Flu vaccine is also free, usually through your employer, if you’re a frontline health or social care worker.
Find out more online on the NHS website.
Anyone not eligible for a free flu vaccine but who would like one, can arrange this through many local pharmacies for a charge of around £15. Find your local pharmacy or GP.
