2. Protect yourself against Flu
Flu vaccines are a safe and effective way to protect yourself from flu. The vaccine is offered each year by the NHS to protect those who are most at risk of flu and its complications.
Who can have a Flu Vaccination?
A flu vaccine is given to people who:
- are 50 and over (including those who will be 50 by 31 March 2023)
- 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 a severe infection due to a weakened immune system, such as someone living with HIV, someone who has had a transplant, or is having certain treatments for cancer, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
The children's nasal spray flu vaccine is given to:
- children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2022 (born between 1 September 2018 and 31 August 2020)
- all primary school children
- some secondary school children
- children aged 2 to 17 with certain health conditions
- Babies and children aged 6 months to 2 years with certain health conditions will be offered a flu vaccine injection instead of the nasal spray.
How to get the Vaccine
You can have an NHS flu vaccine at:
- your GP surgery
- a pharmacy offering the service (if you're aged 18 or over)
- some maternity services if you're pregnant
- Sometimes, you may be offered a flu vaccine at a hospital appointment.
- School-aged children will be offered a vaccine at school or a community clinic.
Find a pharmacy that provides flu vaccines - NHS website