Get protected this autumn and winter with your NHS vaccinations

Flu vaccination

Flu isn't just a bad cold, especially if you're over 65 or have health conditions like yours. Last year it is estimated that vaccination prevented over 104,000 hospital admissions and 7,100 deaths. That's families who didn't have to watch their loved ones get seriously ill or die from flu.

People sometimes worry about side effects. The vaccine can't give you flu because it's made from inactive virus. You might get a sore arm for a day or feel slightly under the weather – that's just your immune system building protection. Much better than getting the real thing.

The flu vaccine is offered on the NHS every autumn or early winter to those at higher risk of getting seriously ill from flu.

You can get the free NHS flu vaccine if you:

• are aged 65 or over
• have certain long-term health conditions
• are pregnant
  • pregnant women are also eligible for RSV and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccinations - speak to your midwife or GP
• 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
• children aged 2 or 3 years on 31 August, primary school and secondary school aged children and all children in clinical risk groups aged 6 months to less than 18 years are also eligible for a free flu vaccine
• frontline health and social care workers can get a flu vaccine through their employer

If you're eligible for an NHS flu vaccine, you will be able to get your vaccine from:

• your GP surgery
• a pharmacy that offers NHS flu vaccination (if you're aged 18 or over or your child is aged 2 to 3 years old)
• 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

The flu vaccine helps protect against flu, which can be a serious or life-threatening illness, so make sure you get your flu #JabDone.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit the NHS website: Flu vaccine – NHS

COVID vaccination

Those at increased risk from severe illness from COVID-19 may also be eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine.

You can get the free NHS COVID-19 vaccine if you:

• are aged 75 or over
• have a weakened immune system
• live in an older adult care home

If eligible, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book your vaccine. To book:

• visit the NHS App
• book via the NHS website
• call 119 for free
• you may also be able to visit a walk-in site which does not require a booking (www.nhs.uk/covid-walk-in)

Don’t get caught out. If you or your child are eligible, make sure you get any extra protection you need. Get your COVID-19 #JabDone.

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the NHS website: COVID-19 vaccine - NHS

RSV vaccination

RSV is a major cause of lung infections like bronchitis and pneumonia, and can be particularly dangerous for older adults leading to difficulty breathing hospital admission.

The RSV vaccine helps to prevent severe illness in those most vulnerable to RSV, helping to cut the risk of being admitted to hospital and protecting lives.

RSV vaccinations are offered all year around, but infections peak in the winter. The vaccine has been shown to provide strong protection for older people.

• Adults aged 75 and over and residents in a care home for older adults (anybody who is a resident in a care home for older adults will be eligible for the RSV vaccination regardless of their age) can get an RSV vaccination this autumn/winter.
• Adults aged 65 to 75 who are deemed at risk may also be offered an RSV vaccination.
• A single dose of the vaccine helps to provide protection for a few years (its full duration of protection is being measured in real time).
• You do not need to have your RSV vaccination each year, like you do for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.
• If you live in a care home for older adults, speak to a member of staff about how you can get the RSV vaccine.
• You may also be eligible for your pneumococcal and/or shingles vaccinations if you have not already received these. Speak with your GP for more information.