Winter vaccinations

Many respiratory illnesses circulate during winter, including seasonal flu and Covid-19. The infections can be unpleasant for some, but can also cause serious illness and death for those at higher risk.

Vaccinations are our best defence. By getting vaccinated against flu or Covid-19, you are likely to have milder symptoms and recover faster if you catch the viruses, cutting your risk of needing hospital care. It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or Covid-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.

This winter, the vaccines will be available to those who are at greatest risk:

• If you have certain underlying health conditions, or are 65 years-old and over, or are pregnant, or live with someone who has a compromised immune system, you are eligible for both a flu and Covid-19 vaccine.  You should receive a message from the NHS about how to get the vaccine.  You can check your eligibility and make a booking appointment for the vaccines on the NHS website.
• Parents of children aged 2 or 3 should contact their GP surgery to book their child’s flu vaccination.
• School-aged children (from Reception to Year 11) will be offered flu vaccinations at school. If your child has missed the vaccination team at school or require other arrangements (such as concerns about the porcine gelatine content of the nasal spray flu vaccine for children), contact the local school-aged immunisations team.