Don't forget your flu vaccine
The flu is an unpleasant illness caused by the influenza virus infecting the respiratory system, including your nose, throat and lungs. Flu will often get better on its own, but it can make some people seriously ill, and can be life threatening.
Last year, due to lockdown restrictions, not as many people as usual had the flu. Scientists are now concerned that 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.
That's why we're recommending people get the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine is a safe and effective vaccine. It’s offered every year on the NHS to help protect people at risk of getting seriously ill from flu. The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn or early winter before flu starts spreading, though you can get the vaccine later.
Where to get the flu vaccine
You can have the NHS flu vaccine at: your GP surgery, a pharmacy offering the service, your midwifery service if you’re pregnant, or a hospital appointment. You don’t need to let your GP know if you get the vaccine elsewhere. This will be done for you.
Who can have the flu vaccine?
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
Protecting children against the flu
Flu can be a very unpleasant illness for children. It can also lead to serious problems, such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Children can catch and spread flu easily so vaccinating them also protects others who are vulnerable to flu, such as babies and older people.
The nasal spray vaccine offers the best protection for children aged 2 to 17 years. They will be offered the flu vaccine injection if the nasal spray vaccine is not suitable for them.
Should I have the flu vaccine if I'm pregnant?
It’s safe to have the flu vaccine at any stage of pregnancy. You should have the flu vaccine if you’re pregnant to help protect you and your baby.
Read more about having the flu vaccine during pregnancy.
If you have any questions or concerns, or simply want to share your experiences with us, you can get in touch by email.
